Easy Wreath Sugar Cookies

With only one color of frosting and m&m decorations, these wreath sugar cookies are an easy cookie decorating idea that even the kids can help decorate! Makes 12 round sugar cookies (~2.5" in diameter) and 2 cups of buttercream frosting.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Cookies

Keyword christmas cookies, wreath cookies, wreath sugar cookies

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings cookies

Calories 234kcal

Author Melissa Rose

Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Dough

¾ cup unsalted butter (i.e. 1 ½ sticks) softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract (nut allergy? you can substitute this with extra vanilla!)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour

Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ teaspoons almond extract
¼ teaspoon salt
3 cups powdered sugar
gel food coloring

Tools/Toppings:

M&M's candy I like using a mix of regular sized & minis
Circle cookie cutter 2.5-3" in diameter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter (¾ cup, i.e., 1 ½ sticks) and granulated sugar (¾ cup) on medium speed for 20-30 seconds. Mix in egg (1 large), vanilla extract (2 teaspoons), and almond extract (1 teaspoon). Add in baking powder (1 teaspoon), salt (½ teaspoon), and all-purpose flour (2 cups) and mix until combined. Transfer to a flour-covered surface and use a rolling pin to roll dough ⅜" to ½" thick. Use a 2.5-3" circle cookie cutter or glass cup to cut out dough. If desired, use a smaller circle to cut out a hole in the center (an apple corer or spice jar lid works well).
Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Depending on size of your cookie cutter and thickness of dough, you may need to bake for a few extra minutes. Allow to cool before decorating.
To make frosting: In a large mixing bowl, add softened unsalted butter (1 cup, i.e., sticks), vanilla extract (2 teaspoons), almond extract (1 ½ teaspoons), and salt (¼ teaspoon). Cream together on medium speed for 30 seconds, or until blended together. Mix in powdered sugar ½ cup at a time (3 cups total) until all is incorporated. Turn the mixer to high speed, and beat for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
To make the green frosting: Per 1 cup of frosting add 3 drops Wilton Blue gel + 2 drops Wilton Yellow gel. I also have a guide for How To Make Dark Green Icing (5 Shades!).
Spread or pipe frosting on top of cooled sugar cookies and decorate with M&M's as shown in the photos above.
Store in airtight container for 2-3 days or freeze for later.

Notes

Substitutions for M&M's: You can also color a small amount of frosting red to create the decorations.

Storing: store in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Freezing: you can freeze these frosted wreath cookies for up to 1 month in an airtight container. I suggest freezing them in one layer before stacking. After they’re frozen, you can place parchment paper in between each later to prevent them from sticking together.

Make Ahead: freeze the unfrosted cookies and then let them thaw to room temperature before decorating. This is a great option if you want to make them ahead for a cookie decorating party!

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