In the midst of the holiday season, one of the most beloved traditions is the art of cookie making. Whether it's with family, friends, or on your own, there's nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies filling your home. And when it comes to Christmas cookies, the Pioneer Woman's wreath cookie recipe is a must-try. Not only is it a delicious treat, but it also adds a festive touch to your holiday spread. So, let's dive into the details of this mouth-watering recipe and learn how to make these wreath cookies like a pro.
Add a festive touch to your beer can chicken by incorporating some Christmas cherries into the mix. The sweetness of the cherries pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the chicken, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for your holiday gatherings. Simply stuff some cherries into the cavity of the chicken before roasting it on the beer can. The result? Juicy and flavorful chicken that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Looking for a fun and colorful side dish to go with your beer can chicken? Try making some Christmas finger jello. This jiggly treat is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Use festive flavors like cranberry and lime to give it a holiday twist. Be sure to make extra, as these bite-sized delights will disappear quickly!
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Pork Roast with Apples and Onions
Main Ingredients: Pork, Olive Oil, Pork Shoulder Roast, Salt, Pepper
If you're not a fan of chicken, why not try using a pork roast instead? The combination of apples and onions adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the meat, making it a delicious and unique alternative to traditional beer can chicken. Plus, the leftovers can be used for sandwiches or in a hearty soup.
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Lia's Butter Toffee
Main Ingredients: Butter, Granulated Sugar, Water, Salt, Vanilla Extract
For a sweet and crunchy topping to your beer can chicken, try making Lia's butter toffee. This simple yet delicious recipe involves melting together butter, brown sugar, and almonds until it forms a rich and gooey toffee. Sprinkle it over the top of the chicken when it's almost done cooking for a mouthwatering addition to your meal.
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Delicious Hot Chocolate
Main Ingredients: Milk, Half And Half, Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips, Sugar
What goes better with a warm and comforting meal like beer can chicken than a steaming cup of hot chocolate? Make your own homemade hot chocolate with a mix of dark and milk chocolate, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. It's the perfect way to end a cozy night in with your loved ones.
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Fancy Macaroni
Main Ingredients: Macaroni, Butter, Onions, Bacon, Bacon Grease, All
Macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish, but why not elevate it for a special occasion? Add some gourmet cheeses and top it off with a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a fancy twist on this childhood favorite. The creamy and rich flavors will complement the beer can chicken perfectly.
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Sugar Biscuits
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt, Butter
Sweet and buttery sugar biscuits are a great accompaniment to beer can chicken. The sweetness of the biscuits balances out the savory flavors of the chicken, and they can also be used to soak up any leftover juices on your plate. Serve them warm with a pat of butter for a comforting and delicious side dish.
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Peppermint Ice Cream
Main Ingredients: Half And Half, Sugar, Vanilla, Large Egg Yolks, Heavy
For a refreshing and festive dessert, try serving up some peppermint ice cream with your beer can chicken. The cool and minty flavors will be a welcome contrast to the warm and savory chicken. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own homemade peppermint ice cream!
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Christmas Tortilla Rollups
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Dry Ranch Dressing Mix, Black Pepper
Looking for a quick and easy appetizer to serve before your beer can chicken dinner? These Christmas tortilla rollups are just the thing. Simply spread a mixture of cream cheese, cranberries, and green onions onto a tortilla, roll it up, and slice into bite-sized pieces. The red and green colors make it perfect for the holidays.
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The Pioneer Woman Holiday Bacon Appetizers
Main Ingredients: Keebler R Club R Original Crackers, Bacon Slices, Grated
No holiday meal is complete without some bacon, and these Pioneer Woman holiday bacon appetizers are sure to be a hit. Simply wrap bacon around a bite-sized piece of chicken, secure it with a toothpick, and bake until crispy. The result? A delicious and savory appetizer that everyone will love.
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Duchess Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Egg Yolks, Butter, Salt, Black Pepper
If you want to impress your guests with a fancy side dish, try making duchess potatoes. These mashed potato puffs are not only visually stunning, but they also taste amazing. The creamy and buttery potatoes pair perfectly with the beer can chicken, making for a rich and indulgent meal.
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Glazed Easter Ham
Main Ingredients: Fully Cooked Bone In Ham, Whole Cloves, Brown Sugar
If you're celebrating Easter and want to switch things up from the traditional ham, try making a glazed Easter ham. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices gives the ham a sweet and sticky coating that is sure to be a hit with your guests. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded meal.
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Steak Bites
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Butter
If you have some carnivores in your family who may not be a fan of chicken, try making some steak bites as an alternative. Simply cut up some tenderloin into bite-sized pieces, marinate it in your favorite steak sauce, and cook it in a skillet until it's juicy and tender. The steak will pair well with the beer can chicken, giving your guests more options to choose from.
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Turkey Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey Legs, Turkey Necks, Onion, Carrot, Celery
No holiday meal is complete without some gravy, and if you're not a fan of traditional chicken gravy, try making some turkey gravy instead. The rich and hearty flavors will complement the beer can chicken and add a touch of holiday spirit to your meal. Plus, leftovers can be used for sandwiches or a savory breakfast hash.
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Favorite Christmas Cookies
Main Ingredients: Shortening, Sugar, Grated Orange Zest, Vanilla, Egg
What's a holiday meal without some cookies for dessert? Whether it's your classic sugar cookies or your family's secret recipe, a plate of your favorite Christmas cookies is the perfect way to end your beer can chicken feast. And don't forget to leave some for Santa!
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Cookie Christmas Wreath
Main Ingredients: Butter, Mccormick Pure Vanilla Extract, Confectioners
If you're feeling extra creative, try making a cookie Christmas wreath for your dessert. Simply use your favorite sugar cookie dough and cut it into a wreath shape. Decorate it with festive frosting and sprinkles for a fun and delicious dessert that will impress your guests.
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PW’s Mother-in-Law’s Christmas Rum Cake
Main Ingredients: Yellow Cake Mix, Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix, Eggs
For a boozy and decadent dessert, try making PW's mother-in-law's Christmas rum cake. This moist and flavorful cake is soaked in a rum glaze and topped with a buttery and nutty topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
If you're looking for a fun and easy holiday baking project, try making some Christmas wreath cookies. These green and red colored cookies are shaped into mini wreaths and decorated with red cinnamon candies for a festive touch. They make for a great edible gift or party favor.
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Festive Christmas Sugar Cookie Wreath
Main Ingredients: Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted Butter, Granulated
Another twist on the classic sugar cookie, this festive Christmas sugar cookie wreath is a show-stopping dessert. The cookie dough is rolled into a ring and decorated with colorful frosting and candies to resemble a wreath. It's a fun and creative way to incorporate the holiday spirit into your dessert.
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The Pioneer Woman Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Main Ingredients: Flour, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
For a chocolatey and minty treat, try making The Pioneer Woman's chocolate peppermint cookies. These soft and chewy cookies are filled with chocolate chips and peppermint candies, making them the perfect holiday indulgence. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a sweet ending to your meal.
Ingredients and Preparation
Bold Cookies:
To make these wreath cookies, you'll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The dough is easy to make and requires chilling for at least an hour before shaping the cookies into wreaths. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to develop and the dough to firm up, making it easier to work with. While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Bold Frosting:
The frosting for these wreath cookies is a simple combination of powdered sugar, unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. It's important to note that the frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped onto the cookies. If it's too runny, add more powdered sugar; if it's too thick, add a splash of milk.
Baking and Decorating
After shaping the chilled dough into wreaths, bake them for 12-15 minutes until the edges are slightly golden. Let them cool completely before decorating with the frosting. You can use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the frosting onto the cookies in a swirled pattern. Top it off with some red and green sprinkles to give it a festive touch. These cookies can also be made with a hole in the center, making them perfect for hanging on the tree as edible ornaments.
Final Thoughts
Not only are these Pioneer Woman Christmas wreath cookies delicious and easy to make, but they also make for a beautiful addition to your holiday dessert table. The buttery cookie base pairs perfectly with the sweet frosting, and the touch of almond extract adds a unique flavor. So, gather your loved ones, put on some Christmas music, and enjoy making these wreath cookies together. Your taste buds and your holiday spirit will thank you.