Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
I absolutely adore this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe because it’s a festive treat that looks as charming as it tastes. The fun of using pinwheel cookies as the base for an edible wreath is such a delightful twist—I love how the swirl pattern mimics a little Christmas decoration all on its own! These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, school bake sales, or just cozying up with a mug of hot cocoa. They bring a fun, homemade touch that’s approachable, even if you don’t consider yourself a baker.
What makes this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe really special, in my opinion, is how simple ingredients come together to create something magical. I first tried these last Christmas when I was pressed for time, and they instantly became a favorite—partly because they’re so easy to customize, and partly because they look stunning on a festive cookie tray. If you want to impress without stress, this is definitely the recipe you’ll want to keep in your holiday arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here works beautifully to create the perfect combination of chocolate, sweetness, and festive color. When shopping, look for good-quality melting chocolate wafers to ensure smooth results and grab your favorite green and red sprinkles to really make the cookies pop.
- Pinwheel Cookies: I love using marshmallow chocolate pinwheel cookies because their swirl design looks like a mini wreath base and adds fun texture.
- Twizzlers Pull and Peel: These are perfect for the little “bows” on the wreath; plus they’re easy to shape and add a pop of red.
- Green Melting Chocolate Wafers: Choose good melting wafers to get that glossy, smooth coating—it helps the decorations stick and creates an amazing green wreath look.
- Green and Red Christmas Sprinkles: These add that final festive sparkle, making your cookies look like they belong front and center on any holiday table.
Variations
I love to mix things up based on who I’m sharing these with. Feel free to personalize this Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe to suit your holiday vibe or dietary needs—there’s so much room for creativity!
- Use different cookie bases: I’ve swapped pinwheel cookies for sugar cookies before, which gives a blank canvas to decorate even more creatively.
- Try white chocolate wafers: If you prefer a lighter color, white chocolate wafers dyed with green food coloring make a fun twist while still keeping the wreath vibe.
- Make it gluten-free: Gluten-free pinwheel cookies can easily replace the original for friends with sensitivities.
- Add edible glitter: When I’m feeling extra festive, a sprinkle of edible glitter on top of the melted chocolate really makes these cookies sparkle under holiday lights.
How to Make Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cookie Base and Workstation
Start by laying out your pinwheel cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet or cooling rack. Have everything ready before you melt the chocolate because you want to work quickly while the chocolate is smooth and warm. I find that setting up your decorations nearby saves a lot of time and stress.
Step 2: Melt the Green Chocolate Wafers
Place the green melting chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 20-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid burning. You’re aiming for a silky, pourable consistency—if it gets too hot or clumpy, just add a tiny splash of vegetable oil and stir it in to smooth it out. This step is key to making your wreaths shine and hold together beautifully.
Step 3: Dip and Decorate Your Cookies
Using a fork or dipping tool, dunk half of each pinwheel cookie into the warm green chocolate so it’s covered around the edges, like a wreath. Let the excess drip off, then place the cookie back on the parchment. While the chocolate is still soft, add your sprinkles generously and gently press a small bow made from a piece of Twizzlers Pull and Peel onto each. It’s easiest to twist these strings into a little loop and squish them into a bow shape—super easy and looks delightfully festive.
Step 4: Let Them Set
Allow the cookies to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes or pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes if you want to speed things up. Just make sure the chocolate hardens completely before moving them to avoid smudging your masterpiece.
How to Serve Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I always use extra Christmas sprinkles around the serving platter to enhance the festive feel. Sometimes I’ll add tiny fresh rosemary sprigs as a “greenery” touch—they smell amazing and mimic real wreaths perfectly. It’s such a simple little detail that guests always notice.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm drink like mulled wine or spiced cider. During family gatherings, I like to put them next to a bowl of peppermint hot chocolate—it’s basically a mini holiday dessert station that everyone loves.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve arranged these Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe cookies on tiered dessert stands decorated with holly leaves and cinnamon sticks. Another fun idea is gifting them in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons—instant holiday favor that people rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store my leftover wreath cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper layers to keep them from sticking together. They stay fresh on the counter for up to a week, which is great when you want to spread out the holiday indulgence.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, freezing works wonderfully. I freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving and the texture stays just right.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so I usually let frozen ones sit out for 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a very brief 5-second zap in the microwave softens the chocolate just enough without making everything too melty.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cookie for the Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While marshmallow chocolate pinwheel cookies are perfect for their look and flavor, you can substitute sugar cookies, shortbread, or even gingerbread for a different taste and texture. Just pick a cookie that’s sturdy enough to hold the melted chocolate without breaking.
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What’s the best way to melt the green chocolate wafers without burning them?
Microwaving in short bursts of 20 seconds with stirring in between works best to prevent overheating. Also, if you find the chocolate is too thick or clumpy, add a tiny bit of vegetable oil to smooth it out. Avoid boiling or direct heat methods unless you’re experienced with tempering chocolate.
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Can I make the bows with something other than Twizzlers Pull and Peel?
You sure can! Thin licorice strings, fruit leather cut into strips, or even piped red royal icing work well as alternatives. Twizzlers are just easy to shape and give a classic bright red bow look that’s quite charming.
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How long do the Christmas Wreath Cookies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about 5 to 7 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended, and they can last up to two months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe is one I always circle back to during the holidays because it’s so easy, so festive, and just plain fun. I hope you find as much joy making (and of course eating) these wreath cookies as I do. They’re the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and smiles—a perfect holiday treat to share with family and friends.
Print
Christmas Wreath Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Cookies
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Wreath Cookies. Using marshmallow chocolate pinwheel cookies as a base, each cookie is transformed into a charming wreath decorated with green melting chocolate, red and green sprinkles, and Twizzlers Pull and Peel strings that mimic festive ribbons. Perfect for holiday parties or gifting, these no-bake treats combine simple, fun decorations to create a visually delightful and tasty Christmas snack.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 12 oz package of Pinwheel Cookies (marshmallow chocolate)
Decorations
- 2 oz Twizzlers Pull and Peel (12 individual strings)
- 6 oz Green Melting Chocolate Wafers (about half a bag)
- Green and Red Christmas Sprinkles (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the cookies: Arrange the 12 oz package of marshmallow chocolate pinwheel cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly to allow for decorating.
- Melt the chocolate wafers: Place 6 oz of green melting chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Decorate with chocolate: Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle or pipe the melted green chocolate around the edges of each cookie to create the look of a wreath.
- Add sprinkles: While the melted chocolate is still wet, sprinkle red and green Christmas sprinkles over the top to add festive color and texture.
- Apply Twizzlers decorations: Separate 2 oz of Twizzlers Pull and Peel into 12 individual strings. Twist or cut each string into small loops or bow shapes and place one on top of each cookie wreath to simulate a ribbon.
- Set and serve: Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature until the chocolate fully hardens and decorations set, about 20-30 minutes. Serve and enjoy your festive Christmas Wreath Cookies!
Notes
- For easier handling, melt the chocolate wafers slowly and stir continuously to avoid overheating or seizing.
- You can substitute green melting chocolate with green candy melts or colored white chocolate chips.
- If desired, use colored piping bags for more precise chocolate application.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to customize wreath decorations with mini candy canes or edible glitter for extra holiday flair.