Almond Wreaths
Almond Wreaths are delicate, buttery cookies topped with chopped almonds, perfect for festive occasions or as an elegant treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter until softened.
- Gradually add the sugar, creaming until fluffy after each addition.
- Blend the well beaten egg in thirds into the mixture.
- Add the flour in fourths, blending well after each addition.
- Chill dough in refrigerator for several hours.
- Remove one-half of the dough from refrigerator and turn onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut rounds with a lightly floured 1 3/4-inch round cookie cutter.
- Using a lightly floured 3/4-inch round cookie cutter, cut out centers of the cookies.
- Brush cookies lightly with a slightly beaten egg yolk.
- Sprinkle cookies with the chopped almonds.
- Carefully transfer cookies to the cookie sheets.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
- With a spatula, carefully remove cookies to a cooling rack.
- Repeat the process with remaining dough.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, consider substituting finely chopped oats or crushed graham crackers for the almonds. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, increase the sugar to 1/3 cup. For added flavor, a splash of vanilla extract can be blended into the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These Almond Wreaths are delightful on their own or can be paired with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a beautiful addition to holiday cookie trays alongside other treats like Hertzler Donuts. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store Almond Wreaths in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer bag. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Wreaths contains roughly 731 calories, with 14g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, you can substitute almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts. Just ensure they are finely chopped to maintain the cookie's texture and appearance. Keep in mind that different nuts will impart their unique flavor, so choose according to your preference.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes to an hour. If it's still difficult to handle, you can sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and rolling pin to help with rolling out the dough.
Can I add flavors like chocolate or spices?
Absolutely! You can fold in mini chocolate chips or a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor. Just be mindful that adding too many extras might alter the dough's consistency, so adjust flour or butter accordingly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).