The holiday season is upon us and what better way to get into the spirit than with some delicious gluten-free Christmas wreath cookies? These festive treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones and are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make these cookies step-by-step, including ingredient lists, instructions, nutritional information, cooking time, equipment needed, serving suggestions, variations, substitutions, storage tips, and FAQs. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
- 1/4 cup milk
- Green food coloring (optional)
- Red hots candies or other small candy for decorating
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and xanthan gum.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, until a soft dough forms.
- If desired, add green food coloring to the dough and mix until evenly colored.
- Form the dough into small wreath shapes, flattening slightly with your fingers. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Decorate the wreaths with red hots or other small candies as desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 90
Total Fat: 4.5g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 45mg
Total Carbohydrates: 11g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
These gluten-free Christmas wreath cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. Serve them as a festive dessert or enjoy them as a sweet snack with a cup of hot cocoa or tea.
Variations:
If you want to mix things up, try adding different flavors to the dough, such as peppermint extract, almond extract, or cinnamon. You can also try different colors of food coloring to create wreaths in different shades of green.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have gluten-free all-purpose flour on hand, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. You can also use regular all-purpose flour if you don’t need to follow a gluten-free diet.
Storage:
To keep these cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened before mixing it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don’t overwork the dough – mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- For a more pronounced wreath shape, use a cookie cutter to shape the dough before baking.
Notes:
These gluten-free Christmas wreath cookies are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. They’re easy to make and are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. So why not give them a try and spread some holiday cheer?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can. However, if you need to follow a gluten-free diet, be sure to use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of regular flour.
Yes, you can. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and label them with the date so you know when to use them by.
Can I use other colors of food coloring?
Yes, you can use any color you like to create different variations of these cookies. Just be sure to use food coloring that is safe for consumption.
You can use any small candy you like, such as red hots, M&M’s, or sprinkles. Just be sure to press them into the dough gently so they stick.
Final Thoughts:
These gluten-free Christmas wreath cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season. They’re easy to make, gluten-free, and can be customized to your liking with different flavors and colors. So why not give them a try and spread some holiday cheer?