Callahan Christmas Wreaths

Total Time Prep: 30 min. Bake: 10 min./batch
Yield 2-1/2 dozen
Contest Winner
Test Kitchen Approved
When my family asked for good old Norwegian wreath cookies, I studied several recipes for ideas, then added my own special touches. — Cassidy Callahan, Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • Green food coloring
  • Red and green candied cherries

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs, orange zest and extract. Gradually beat in flour. Divide dough in half; tint 1 portion green with food coloring.
  2. For each wreath, shape two 6-inch ropes using 2 teaspoons plain dough for the first and 2 teaspoons green dough for the other. Place the 2 ropes side by side; press together lightly, then twist several times. Shape into a circle, pinching ends to seal. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
  3. Cut candied cherries into small pieces and place on wreaths to decorate as desired, pressing lightly to adhere. Bake cookies until set and bottoms are light brown, 6-8 minutes.
  4. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 133 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

When my family asked for good old Norwegian wreath cookies, I studied several recipes for ideas, then added my own special touches. — Cassidy Callahan, Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Recipe Creator

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