Christmas is coming, and that means it’s time to start baking! These delicious Christmas wreath cookies will impress your guests and make your Christmas party even more special.
They are buttery, shortbread cookies with a vanilla glaze and decorated with charming sprinkles and rosemary. This is an easy recipe to make and adorable holiday cookies!
I teamed up with Yankee Candle to create this festive cookie recipe in honor of their Red Apple Wreath holiday candle. I’m such a fan of Yankee Candle, especially the holiday fragrances. They fill my house with the most beautiful aroma and are the perfect Christmas scent. It’s truly not Christmas in our house without a Yankee Candle burning!
I also love Balsam & Cedar as it makes the house smell like a tree farm! Yankee Candles are the perfect addition to the holiday season. I love to light the candles while we bake cookies, decorate the tree, or when hosting a holiday gathering. They add so much joy to our Christmas season.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Table of Contents
The Christmas wreath cookies start with a basic shortbread cookie dough and then are shaped into wreaths using cookie cutters. Once they’re baked and cooled, they’re dipped in an easy vanilla glaze and then decorated to look like wreaths! The sprinkles and rosemary add a festive touch.
How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies
These cookies are made with simple ingredients that can be found at your local grocery store.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Cookie Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Rolling Pin
- Electric Mixer
- Wreath Shape Cookie Cutter
Ingredient Notes
The full recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Unsalted butter – This is what gives the cookies the best, buttery flavor. Use pure, unsalted butter when making this recipe. Also, the butter must be at room temperature.
Granulated sugar – We use this to sweeten the cookies. I like the texture this gives the cookies.
Vanilla extract – This not only adds flavor but also enhances flavors in the cookies too. We also use this in the glaze to give it the vanilla flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for this recipe.
All-purpose flour – This is what gives the cookies structure and texture.
Salt – Don’t skip this! A pinch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness in the cookies.
Sprinkles and rosemary – These are used to decorate the cookies and make them look like festive Christmas wreaths! You can also use red cinnamon candies. We use those in our Santa Cookies and they’re delicious!
Confectioners sugar – This is for the glaze, it has a smooth texture and is perfect for dipping the cookies.
Milk – We add this to the glaze to make it a little thinner and easier to dip.
Expert Tips for Making Christmas Wreath Cookies
Allow the butter to come to room temperature before using it in the cookie dough. This will ensure that all of the ingredients mix together easily and that the dough is not too dry.
When rolling out the dough, use powdered sugar instead of flour on the surface.
Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out and cut into Christmas wreath shapes.
Dip the cookies in the glaze one at a time, and decorate immediately before allowing them to dry completely.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
These Christmas wreath cookies can be decorated with different variations. Here are some ideas:
- Use food coloring to make the glaze different colors.
- Top with festive Christmas sprinkles.
- Replace rosemary with Christmas candies or other herbs.
- Decorate with Christmas edible glitter for an even more festive look.
- Use vegan butter for a vegan cookie option.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla.
How to Store Christmas Shortbread Cookies
These Christmas wreath cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They will stay fresh and delicious!
You can also freeze the cookie dough for up to three months.
When to Serve
These Christmas treats can be served as an after-dinner treat or enjoyed with a cup of warm cocoa on Christmas day. They also make a delightful Christmas gift, especially when given with a Yankee Candle!
Here are some special occasions you can serve these cookies:
Holiday Parties
Gingerbread House Party
Christmas Tree Decorating
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can freeze Christmas wreath cookies. Store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag after they have cooled completely. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy!
No, Christmas wreath cookies do not have to be refrigerated. They can stay at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week.
Christmas wreath cookies can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the cookie dough and shape it, then freeze it for up to three months. When ready to bake, just defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
More Christmas Cookies You’ll Love
Whether you are hosting Christmas or just making Christmas cookies with your family, these Christmas wreath cookies will be a hit! Not only are they beautiful, but they taste amazing too.
With their buttery shortbread texture and delicious glaze, your family and friends will be wowed by these Christmas wreath cookies!
So light your Yankee Candle, put on some holiday tunes, and start making some festive treats! It’s the best time of the year!
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Holiday Wreath Cookies
Ingredients
Wreath Cookies
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter , room temperature, 3 sticks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 sprigs rosemary
- holiday sprinkles
Holiday Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp whole milk
Instructions
- In an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until combined.
- Add in the vanilla extract.
- Add in the flour and salt and blend on low until incorporated.
- Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes so it’s cold, but not too hard to roll out.
- Add the dough on a floured or powdered sugar surface and roll out about 1/2-1″ thick. Use a wreath cookie cutter to make the shapes.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to bake the cookies on.
- Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 13 minutes until the cookies are just about to turn golden brown. I like to take them out before they turn gold.
- Make the glaze by adding the ingredients into a small bowl and whisking until it’s blended.
- Once the cookies are cooled, dip them one at a time into the glaze and decorate right away before the glaze dries.
Notes
Nutrition
