Almond Wreath Sugar Cookies: A Festive and Flavorful Delight

Ever wondered why traditional sugar cookies sometimes fall flat on flavor, leaving you craving something more? Today, we're tackling that head-on with a recipe that's not just festive but packed with almondy goodness: Almond Wreath Sugar Cookies. These cookies are not your average holiday treat. We'll guide you through creating the perfect, delicate, and flavorful wreath, ensuring yours are the talk of the dessert table. These are better than any store-bought version!

Our secret? A touch of almond extract, perfectly balanced sweetness, and a careful baking process that ensures a tender crumb every time. Let’s ditch the bland and dive into a cookie experience that's both visually stunning and delightfully delicious.

Ingredients List

Here's what you'll need to create these beautiful Almond Wreath Sugar Cookies, guaranteeing that festive and aromatic profile:

All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, plus more for dusting. (For gluten-free, try a 1:1 blend, just be sure to chill the dough longer.)
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup. Feel free to experiment with superfine sugar for an even melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened. (Vegan? Use a high-quality vegan butter stick.)
Egg: 1 large. (Flax egg works well as a binder if you're avoiding dairy/eggs – 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 3 tbsp water, let it sit for 5 minutes).
Almond Extract: 1 teaspoon. This is the ingredient that really gives these baked creations their signature flavor, it's the key to giving these Almond Wreath Sugar Cookies that extra kick!
Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Sea salt enhances the sweetness!
Milk: 2 tablespoons. (Almond milk works perfectly as a substitute for flavor consistency).
Green Food Coloring: Gel food coloring for a vibrant green. Liquid food coloring will make the sugar cookie dough too runny.
Red Candied Cherries (Glacé Cherries): Halved, for decorating, creating the 'berries' on the wreath.
Slivered Almonds: For decorating the Almond Wreath Sugar Cookies.
Powdered sugar: For dusting

Timing

Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling).
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes per batch.
Total Time: Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.

This recipe only needs a 30 minute pre-chill and 30 minute post-chill which means the baking process is sped up by 50% compared to the average sugar cookie!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Don't rush this step! A well-creamed mixture guarantees a tender crumb.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Almond Extract:

Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined. The almond extract is the unsung hero here, adding a festive and nuanced flavor dimension that elevates these Almond Wreath Sugar Cookies.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough cookies.

Step 4: Add Milk and Green Coloring:

Mix in the milk and gradually add the green food coloring until you reach your desired shade. Remember, a little food coloring goes a long way.

Step 5: Divide and Chill the Dough:

Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 mins. Pre and post baking is a must for Almond Wreath Sugar Cookies. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This also helps to allow the flours to absorb ingredients, giving better textured cookies.

Step 6: Roll and Cut Out Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 375°F for the best bake – 190 degrees celsius/gas mark 5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a wreath-shaped cookie cutter or a template to cut out the cookies.

Step 7: Decorate the Wreaths:

Place the wreaths on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently press halved red cherries and slivered almonds into the dough to resemble berries and foliage. Be gentle; you don’t want to distort the wreath shape.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies:

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye; overbaking will result in dry cookies.

Step 9: Cool and Dust:

Let your Almond Wreath Sugar Cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a stunning presentation.

Calories: Approximately 150
Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 18g (Sugar: 9g)
Protein: 2g

Data based on standard ingredient usage. Figures are estimates.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Craving these Almond Wreath Sugar Cookies but want to keep things on the healthier side? Here are a few delicious swaps:

Sugar: Substitute half of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol. They are low-calorie and don't spike blood sugar levels.
Flour: Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour. It adds fiber without significantly altering the taste or texture.
Butter: While harder to mimic exactly, unsweetened applesauce can replace half of the butter for fewer calories. Just be wary that it will change the crumbly texture.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Platter: Arrange the Almond Wreath Sugar Cookies artfully on a festive platter along with other holiday treats like brownies or peppermint bark.
Edible Gifts: Package individual cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for an elegant take-home gift. Add in some peppermint bark for a festive gift.
Hot Chocolate Pairing: Serve these with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. The almond flavor pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix only until just combined.
Not Chilling the Dough: Dough that isn't chilled spreads excessively in the oven. Don't skip the refrigeration step!
Overbaking: Overbaked cookies are dry and crumbly. Bake just until the edges are lightly golden.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Baked cookies: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a piece of bread to the container to keep them soft.
Cookie Dough: The cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.

Conclusion

These Almond Wreath Sugar Cookies are more than just a recipe; they're an experience. With a perfect blend of almond flavor, festive presentation, and easy-to-follow steps, you’re well on your way to creating the holiday star of your kitchen. Don’t hesitate— roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bake some memories this season.

Ready to try these Almond Wreath Sugar Cookies? Share your photos and feedback; we love to see your creations! And for more festive baking ideas, check out our other recipes on our page!

FAQs

Can I use regular almond flavoring instead of almond extract? Almond extract is more concentrated and tends to provide a deeper flavor.
Can I use other nuts for decoration? Absolutely! Pecans, walnuts, or even candied nuts can be used depending on your creativity.
Can I make these cookies without food coloring? Absolutely! The cookies will be more of a buttery yellow color, but the taste won’t be affected.
How do I prevent the cherries from burning in the oven? Press them gently into the cookie dough so they are partially submerged. This will help to protect them from direct heat. You can also brush them very lightly with egg white before baking for a glossy finish.