Looking for a festive and delicious treat to enjoy this holiday season? Look no further than these Vanilla Ginger Wreath Cookies! These cookies are not only easy to make but also bursting with warm flavors that are perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- These cookies are a delightful combination of vanilla, ginger, and spices that will tantalize your taste buds.
- With a quick prep time, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or holiday parties.
- These cookies are great for meal prep and can be stored for several days, allowing you to enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredient Notes:
- Cookie Dough:
- Salted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, chewy texture.
- Lemon zest: Adds a touch of brightness to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.
- Kosher salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom: Add warm, spicy notes to the cookies.
- Vanilla Glaze:
- Powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water: Create a sweet and creamy glaze to drizzle over the cookies.
- Decorations:
- Sugared rosemary and assorted candies: Add a festive touch to the cookies.
- Candied Rosemary:
- Rosemary sprigs and granulated sugar: Create a sweet and herbaceous garnish for the cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the lemon zest and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into a log and shape it into a wreath on a baking sheet.
- Bake the wreath cookies until golden brown and let them cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water to create the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and decorate with sugared rosemary and assorted candies.
Helpful Tips:
- Chilling the dough before shaping it into a wreath will make it easier to work with.
- For a more pronounced ginger flavor, increase the amount of ground ginger in the recipe.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a more intense vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cloves to customize the flavor profile of the cookies.
- To make the cookies even more festive, sprinkle them with edible glitter before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
These Vanilla Ginger Wreath Cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before shaping and baking.
- Can I omit the sugared rosemary? Absolutely! Feel free to decorate the cookies with any other festive decorations you like.
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine in a pinch.
Conclusion:
These Vanilla Ginger Wreath Cookies are sure to become a new holiday favorite in your household. With their warm spices and festive decorations, they are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a cozy evening at home. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Vanilla Ginger Wreath Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 32 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Vanilla Ginger Wreath Cookies are a delightful holiday treat with a perfect blend of vanilla, ginger, and spices. The festive wreath shape makes them a fun addition to any cookie platter.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough:
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
Vanilla Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons water (as needed for thinning)
Decorations:
-
- Sugared rosemary (see candied rosemary instructions below)
- Assorted candies (optional)
Candied Rosemary:
-
- Rosemary sprigs
- Granulated sugar (enough to coat rosemary)
Instructions
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugars, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Add flour, salt, and spices. Mix until dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Roll dough into ropes, twist into wreaths, and place on a baking sheet. Bake until lightly golden.
- Make Vanilla Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Decorate Cookies: Garnish with sugared rosemary and candies. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the decorations with your favorite festive toppings.
- These cookies make a great edible gift during the holiday season.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg