Christmas Wreath Cookies with Royal Icing

Celebrate the holiday season with these stunning Christmas Wreath Cookies. These treats combine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie base with a smooth and vibrant royal icing finish. They are a festive staple that brings a touch of elegance to any holiday dessert spread or cookie exchange party.

Decorating these cookies is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. While they look like they came from a professional bakery, the process is surprisingly manageable with a little patience. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, these edible wreaths are sure to impress your friends and family.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 195 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 90mg

Why Make This Christmas Wreath Cookies with Royal Icing

There is nothing quite like the classic look of a holiday wreath, and turning that icon into a delicious cookie makes the season even sweeter. These cookies are perfect for gifting because the royal icing dries hard, allowing you to stack them easily without ruining the beautiful designs. They are sturdy enough for shipping but still offer that delicate, buttery crunch everyone loves.

Making these cookies is also a fantastic creative outlet. You can experiment with different shades of green, add intricate leaf patterns, or keep it simple with bright red “berry” accents. It is a rewarding project that results in a professional-looking treat that tastes much better than store-bought alternatives.

How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies with Royal Icing

Creating these festive masterpieces involves baking a perfect round cookie and then layering on a vibrant, glossy royal icing to bring the wreath design to life.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 6-8 tablespoons warm water
• Gel food coloring (Green and Red)
• Optional: Edible pearls or sprinkles

Directions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough

Divide the dough in half and roll it out between two sheets of parchment paper to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round scalloped or plain cookie cutter to cut circles, then use a smaller round cutter to remove the center of each circle, creating a wreath shape. Chill the cut-out dough in the fridge for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chilled wreaths on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Step 5: Prepare the Royal Icing

In a clean bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and 6 tablespoons of warm water. Beat on high speed until the icing forms stiff peaks. If it is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time. Divide the icing and tint the majority green and a small portion red.

Step 6: Decorate the Wreaths

Pipe a green border around the edge of the cookie and then fill it in (flood) with slightly thinned green icing. While the icing is wet, you can use a toothpick to create leaf textures. Once the green layer has set for a few minutes, pipe small red dots for berries or a small red bow. Let the icing dry completely for at least 4-6 hours.

How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies with Royal Icing

These cookies look stunning when arranged on a large white platter to make the green and red colors pop. You can also stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon to give away as party favors. For a cozy evening, serve them alongside a hot mug of cocoa or spiced apple cider.

How to Store Christmas Wreath Cookies with Royal Icing

Once the icing has completely hardened, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Use sheets of parchment paper between layers to prevent any scratching. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the undecorated baked cookies for up to three months.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Wreath Cookies with Royal Icing

Always use gel food coloring instead of liquid drops. Gel coloring is more concentrated and won’t thin out your icing, which is crucial for maintaining the right consistency. Additionally, make sure your cookies are completely cool before you start icing; otherwise, the icing will melt and run off the sides.

Delicious Variations

If you want a different flavor profile, try adding a half teaspoon of almond extract or peppermint extract to the dough. For a “snowy” look, sprinkle a little white sanding sugar over the wet green icing. You can also use a chocolate sugar cookie recipe as the base for a dark, rich contrast against the bright green wreaths.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did my royal icing not harden?

This usually happens if there was any grease in the bowl or if the humidity is very high. Ensure all your tools are grease-free and give the icing plenty of time to air-dry.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting instead?

Standard store-bought frosting does not dry hard like royal icing, so you won’t be able to stack the cookies or achieve the same detailed designs.

Q: Do I have to use meringue powder?

Meringue powder is the safest and easiest way to make royal icing. If you don’t have it, you can use pasteurized egg whites, but the proportions will change.

Q: How do I stop the cookies from spreading in the oven?

Chilling the dough after you have cut out the wreath shapes is the best way to ensure they hold their shape perfectly during the baking process.

Q: Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough up to two days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you are ready to roll it out.

Conclusion

Christmas Wreath Cookies with Royal Icing are a beautiful blend of art and flavor. They capture the spirit of the holidays in every bite and provide a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories in the kitchen. Happy baking and merry Christmas!

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