Wreath Cookies

When I was little, my sister and I would wait and beg my mom to make these cookies every Christmas.  I don't know where my mom got the recipe, but for me Christmas isn't the same without them.  They are really yummy and super easy.  I hope they become part of your Christmas tradition too!

1 c Butter - Softened
8 oz Cream Cheese - Softened
1/2 c Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
2 c Flour
Green Food Coloring (about 12 drops)
Red Hots/Cinnamon Candies

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cream butter and cream cheese.  Add sugar and cream thoroughly.  Beat in vanilla and food coloring.  Gradually blend in the flour.

Set your cookie press up with a star tip.  Fill the cookie press with the cookie dough.  Hold the press in a semi-horizontal position and form wreaths about an inch and a half diameter. Seal the ends of the cookie together with a Red Hot and add two more Red Hots as decoration (and yummy goodness).

Bake the cookies for 8 - 10 minutes, or until the dough is set, but not brown.  Let the cookies rest on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes and then transfer to wire cooling racks. 

Once the cookies are cool store them in an air tight container lined with wax paper.

Makes approx. 4 dozen cookies

You need a cookie press for this recipe, but they are worth the investment.  There are different types that you can get.  I have a battery operated one.  It makes life easy, but if you want to hand crank your cookies go for it!