There are many reasons to wait for the holidays, but Christmas desserts definitely top the list. With that in mind, today let me share with you a Christmas cookie recipe that is not only delicious, but also visually appealing. And yes, these wreath shaped cookies also make lovely inexpensive homemade gifts.

Christmas Dessert: Wreath Shaped Cookies

Wreath Shaped Christmas Cookies

Image via: Martha Stewart

Yields: 84 servings

Total time: Preparation 1 hour + Chilling + Baking

Ingredients

2 cups softened butter

3 cups powdered sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla essence

5 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar

Frosting

8 cups powdered sugar

1 cup shortening

2 teaspoons maple extract

½ cup milk

Pinch of red food coloring

Pinch of green food coloring

Procedure

Festive Christmas Treat

Image via: Instructables

1. In a medium bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl combine flour, cream of tartar, and baking soda. Slowly add it to the creamed mixture and blend well. Divide it into four equal portions. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
2. Lightly flour the surface, and roll out one portion to ¼ inch thickness. Cut using a floured 2- ½ inches round cookie cutter. Place it 1 inch apart on lined baking sheets. Slowly cut out centers using a floured 1 inch round cookie cutter.
3. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Allow it cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks. Repeat with the remaining dough.
4. For frosting, in a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, maple extract, shortening, and milk to achieve consistency.
5. In a small bowl, place ¾ cup frosting; color with red food coloring. Color the remaining frosting green. Using a decorating tip, pipe green frosting over cookies. With a smaller decorating tip, pipe red bows onto the wreaths.

Add a special holiday touch to your tray of sweets with these festive Christmas dessert. Like always, don’t fear experimenting. Use colors of your choice and decorate it the way you like.