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14 Must-Try Fancy Cookies to Bake

Recipes

Monday
Nov / 29 / 2021
Comments 3

Must-Try Fancy Cookies to Bake #cookies #baking #holiday #fancycookies #fancy #recipe #dessert

Looking for a treat that’s universally enjoyed, looks high-end, and is secretly not so hard to whip up? Look no further than these fancy cookies.

Everyone loves cookies. They are easy to make, delicious, and versatile enough for just about any occasion! Cookies are the perfect treat to bake for a party or even just because it’s Monday. And yes, while basic chocolate chip cookies are nice, there are times you’ll want to step it up a notch.

In this article, we will go over a few of my favorite fancy cookie recipes and share some tips for baking perfect cookies every time. Every sweet tooth is sure to be satisfied (and impressed!).

What is a Fancy Cookie?

These fancy cookies are ones that look like they took a lot of time and energy to make. They might be iced, decorated with sprinkles or other fun toppings, shaped into fancy shapes, filled with jam, nuts, cream cheese…the sky is the limit! If you can dream it up in your head for a fancy cookie, it probably exists.

While I love cookies of all kinds, (see dozens of cookie recipes here as evidence) there are times when I’ll step it up a bit. Whether that’s because I’m hosting a party, or just feel like getting some creative energy out, cookies that are a tiny bit “extra” will typically do the trick.

Top Tips for Making Fancy Cookies at Home

While I go into details on the instructions in each individual post linked below, I wanted to give you all some quick tips for how to have the best baking experience possible.

Read the instructions fully before you begin. It’s best to be prepared ahead of time so you can pace yourself and be ready for what step comes next. I highly encourage any baker to read the entire recipe through at least once before getting started!
Use the best ingredients possible. I really want everyone to be successful at making fancy cookies and desserts. That starts with the ingredients. Use the very best ingredients that you can get your hands on, especially when it comes to flavoring agents (such as vanilla extract ) and things like food dye and sprinkles. It really does make a difference!
Measure your ingredients precisely. Baking is much more of a science than an art. If you start guestimating and tossing in random amounts of flour and sugar, you are probably going to be disappointed. Pull out your measuring cups and measuring spoons and be precise!

Tools You May Need to Make Fancy Cookies

The exact tools you will want to reach for will vary depending on the exact recipe you are making. But these are the go-to staples that I recommend every aspiring baker keep on hand. After all, you never know when you need to whip up a batch of fancy cookies.

Cookie Sheet with silicone baking mats or parchment paper sheets
Stand mixer – I love my Kitchen Aid and use it for almost everything! It’s worth the investment.
Cookie scoop
Spatula
Cooling rack – please don’t leave your cookies on the hot baking sheet…they will overbake!
Piping bag & decorating tip – it makes icing cookies so much easier! I’m also a big fan of these piping bottles.

14 Must-Make Fancy Cookies

Okay, on to the good part…the recipes! I’ve included some fancy cookies for almost every occasion and taste. I hope you find a recipe (or three) to inspire your next fancy cookie creation.

1. Italian Sprinkle Cookies

A few of my favorite things come together in this classic sugar cookie spin. The base is a soft sugar cookie in ball form that has been dipped in glaze then topped with pretty sprinkles.

This is a great beginner’s fancy cookie. The steps aren’t complicated but they look (and taste) amazing.

2. Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies

This is an elevated take on a typical gingerbread cookie. Personally, I have way more fun “decorating” the tree than I do the little gingerbread man.

These fancy cookies are perfect for holiday parties, but I’d highly recommend making a practice run first. The cookie itself isn’t too hard, but the royal icing topping can be a bit tricky. I promise the effort is worth it though.

3. Orange Almond Sugar Cookies

There is so much this cookie has going for it. First of all, it’s absolutely adorable, as you can see.

But, what I wish these photos could show you is just how incredible these cookies taste. Basic sugar cookie dough gets a major flavor boost with zested orange and almond extract. Believe me, these taste even better than they look, which is saying something.

4. Lemon Sandwich Cookies

Anyone else a huge lemon fan? I make these several times a year, particularly throughout the spring and summer seasons.

In this fancy cookie recipe, homemade lemon thins are filled with a DIY lemon cream. The combination of thin, crispy cookies and the creamy filling will make your tastebuds sing. Every single bite is bursting with bright, zesty lemon flavor!

5. Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are a classic Christmas cookie that I grew up eating. The cookie itself is flakey and buttery, but what makes these next-level is the jam filling.

The bottom cookie is a solid circle, while the top has a festive cut-out shape where the jelly peeks through. Top the whole thing off with a healthy dusting of powdered sugar, and watch the compliments roll in!

6. Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies

If you are a PSL fan, give these cookies a try! But unlike the Starbucks version, these cookies actually taste like pumpkin. #sorrynotsorry

These soft, cakey cookies are made with canned pumpkin and a blend of fall spices. But don’t forget about the “latte” part—you’ve got to try the espresso icing on these fancy cookies. It’s to die for!

7. Egg Hunt Easter Cookies

These Easter cookies are a tasty way to celebrate spring! “Grass” frosting is made on top of a round sugar cookie with a piping tip, then topped with chocolate eggs.

This dessert is perfect for any child or adult who loves to indulge in sweet treats on the holidays. They look awesome on your Easter dinner table, too!

8. Cream Horns

Also known as Lady Locks, creamed horn cookies are a Pittsburg staple around the holidays. More importantly, making these fancy cookies is a family tradition on my dad’s side of the family. I grew up eating these and am super excited to share the recipe with you all too!

These cookies look impressive (and they certainly are), but they aren’t super hard to make. I walk you through every single step in the post!

I also made these into a pumpkin spice creamed horn version if you’d like to give this a fall twist.

9. Stuffed Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

On the surface, these may seem like ordinary peanut butter cookies with a chocolate drizzle. But the magic happens once you sink your teeth in!

In the center of each cookie is a peanut butter cup that’s baked in. If you are a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, you’ve got to make this cookie ASAP. Just be warned, you’ll want to eat up the entire batch in one sitting!

10. Ugly Sweater Sugar Cookies

Even though I named these “ugly sweater cookies”, there is nothing at all ugly about them. This is definitely a fun cookie to make but decorating them takes time and patience.

If you are looking for a fancy cookie recipe to bring to your holiday party that will get people talking, this one fits the bill!

11. Cream Wafer Sandwich Cookie

These fancy cookies are near and dear to my heart! In fact, this is my favorite cookie recipe of all time, hands down. Two light, flaky cookies are sandwiched together with a generous dollop of sweet buttercream icing. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

I also love the versatility of this recipe. While I originally developed it as a Christmas recipe, I’ve made it several times throughout the year for other holidays. All you have to do is swap out the icing color. You can even experiment with different cookie shapes too.

If you only make one cookie from this list…this is the winner!

12. Dulce de Leche Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

I don’t make that many chocolate cookies, but these are absolutely fantastic. With a dash of cinnamon and cayenne pepper for added warmth (trust me on this one), this cookie is anything but basic.

My favorite part, though, has to be the dulce de leche filling. If you haven’t had dulce de leche before, just think of a richer, thicker version of caramel. It’s absolutely delicious, and oh-so-easy to make.

13. Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

If you love the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly, you will be all about this cookie. It’s called a thumbprint cookie because you literally use your thumb to make a well in the cookie. Then, fill it up with the jelly of your choosing and bake.

To fancify this cookie even more, it gets a peanut butter icing drizzle once it’s done baking. Yum!

14. Pistachio Shortbread Fancy Cookies with Dark Chocolate Filling

Typical shortbread cookie dough gets a major upgrade here with chopped pistachios. The dough itself is absolutely lovely, and the pistachios add delicious crunch and depth of flavor.

But we won’t stop there. This fancy cookie gets another upgrade with dark chocolate filling! Trust me, this salty-sweet cookie ticks all the boxes.

That’s a Wrap on Fancy Cookies!

So, there you have it! 15 decidedly fancy cookies that will wow your friends and make your gatherings extra special. Which one will you try first? Happy baking!

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Red and Cozy Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

Interiors

Sunday
Nov / 28 / 2021
Comments 37

Let’s decorate another Christmas Tree! I’m inviting you back into my holiday home to take a look at my Red and Cozy Christmas Tree and to share some new Christmas Tree decorating ideas! (I’m also sharing a little peek at the rest of my family room Christmas decor too!)

Red and Cozy Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

I’ve managed to decorate one of my three Christmas trees and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you today. This is the tree in my family room. For the past three years, this tree has been decorated with a red theme, so I decided to keep with the tradition for another year.

Speaking of holiday decorating, I’m also back with my Seasons of Home blogger friends. The theme for this week is “Holiday Home Tour.” Some of us are sharing a full home tour, others are sharing a single space, and some of us (pointing a finger at myself) are sharing Christmas tree decorations. I hope you’ll take the time to click through all of the inspiring and festive posts I’ve linked below.

It also recently came to my attention that I rarely share photos of myself on the blog. I’m going to try and be better about that, so here’s a picture of Leo and I!

Onto the tree!

My Red and Cozy Christmas Tree:

Before I get into all of the nitty-gritty details, let’s take a look at my latest tree!

What do you think? I couldn’t be more pleased with the way it came together. If you’ve seen my tree in this room before, you will realize that the look is similar, but also different.

This year when I first began decorating this tree, I started off with an entirely different concept. If you’re following me on Instagram (@inspiredbycharm) you may even have had a sneak peek at its initial look. I originally thought I would do a mix of everything and go for a really colorful and eclectic tree, but there was something about it that just didn’t strike me. It was a bit too much and honestly, it made me feel a bit anxious. So I trusted my gut, did some editing, and settled on this fabulous Red and Cozy Christmas Tree.

As I mentioned above, since I’ve been in this house, I’ve been doing a variation of this design in my family room each year. I’m sure that one of these days I’ll break from the red, but for now, I just love the color in here. It feels like Christmas to me and that’s the point after all!

If you want to see some of the other variations of this tree, you can find those here:

In general, my entire decorating theme for this year has been taking the things I love from past years, and while keeping some of the details, tweaking the look with new items. This is exactly what I did with the living room mantel that I shared last week.

This feels like a much more manageable approach for Christmas decorating rather than starting completely new every year.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the details.

Red and Cozy Christmas Tree Decorations:

I mostly used decorations I had on hand to create this Red and Cozy Christmas Tree, but there are a few new and notable additions.

First, the actual tree is a new design from Balsam Hill. It’s their 7ft Nordmann Fir tree with white Candlelight Clear LEDS. I’m loving how realistic this tree looks, especially the top!

One of my favorite new additions is these mini stockings from Penny and Ivy. There are 25 of these mini stockings on the tree and they were all handmade by Emily of Penny and Ivy. Each of these stockings is unique and special. I was marveling at the detail on each one as I hung them on the tree. I especially love the little numbered tags. It’s all in the details! If Penny and Ivy is new to you, be sure to check out Emily’s site HERE. You can also find her on Instagram @pennyandivy to stay informed of her shop updates.

I also purchased this adorable bird ornament from Kim Myers Smith. It’s actually an original mini oil painting and I couldn’t love it more. Following Kim’s art journey has been such a joy and I’m honored to have been able to purchase one of her paintings for my tree.

For something different, I tucked in these jumbo pinecones that I found HERE. I love how they look nestled into the tree.

And as I mentioned above, the rest of the ornaments were items I had in my collection. Even the ribbon that I used, which is a favorite of mine, was the same ribbon I used a couple of years ago on my Cozy Lodge Christmas Tree.

Speaking of ribbon, I have an entire blog post (and video) dedicated to showing you how I add ribbon to my Christmas trees. You can find that HERE.

I also wanted to point out my “under the tree” decorations. This has become one of my favorite little areas to decorate in recent years and this tree was no exception.

As usual, I tucked in some wrapped presents, ribbon, and even a picnic basket, but the big showstopper is my new-to-me vintage Campfire Marshmallows tin. These are highly coveted and I’ve been l looking for one for years. Well, as you can see, I finally found one and I am thrilled with how it looks under the tree.

I also included a couple of my vintage Scotch tape tins. I think they look so perfect! In fact, vintage touches are a must for my Christmas decor. You can read about some other ways I decorate with vintage Christmas decor HERE.

While these under-the-tree decorations may not be necessary, I think they add a special touch and complete the look of the tree. I also secretly love how I can use these items to conceal the base of the tree and hide the many wires and extension cords.

Want to see more of my tree decorating ideas from Christmases past? I have an entire blog post where I share 20+ of my Christmas tree designs. You can find that HERE. I hope it serves as inspiration as you decorate your own tree.

More Family Room Christmas Decor:

I’m still finalizing some of the other décors in this space, but here’s a little peek at the rest of the room including a look at my Putz House Inspired Mantel. I’m really loving how it’s coming together and can’t wait to share more!

And yes, my Christmas Ribbon Cabinet is back and looking as fabulous as always. You can read more about it HERE.

I’m working diligently to share the rest of my 2021 Holiday Home so stay tuned for more decor. I highly recommend joining the Inspired by Charm Mailing List so you don’t miss a thing. I also recently launched a FREE new email series with all of my BEST tips for creating a magical Christmas. It’s full of my best holiday decorating ideas, recipes, crafts, and so much more! You can sign-up HERE.

And while this list is short at the moment, here’s a peek at what’s I’ve shared so far.

And with that, I need to get back to decorating and do a little holiday shopping. Can you believe it’s officially December this week? Where has the time gone?

Seasons of Home Holiday Home Tours:

Before you head off to do your own decorating and shopping, be sure to check out all of the fabulous holiday inspiration from my Seasons of Home blogger friends below.

Ella Claire & Co. | Handmade Farmhouse | Azure Farm | Inspired by Charm

French Country Cottage | Zevy Joy | Craftberry Bush | Dear Lillie

And as always, thank you SO much for joining me for another Christmas at Bayberry House. It’s my complete honor to have you.

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20+ Chic Homemade Christmas Decorations

Holidays

Friday
Nov / 26 / 2021
Comments 2

Unique Homemade Christmas Decorations #christmas #holiday #decorations #DIY #handmade #decor #craft

Ready to fill your home with holiday cheer? These 15+ homemade Christmas decorations will dress up your tree, living room, dining room, and anywhere else you want to add a bit more joy.

The options are seemingly endless when it comes to Christmas crafts. Everyone knows about homemade wreaths and snowflakes, but what about dining room decor or mantle decorations?

These handmade holiday decorations are anything but cheesy. I’m highlighting crafts that will fit in any home and can be enjoyed by everyone. Grab a friend or two and start creating!

Homemade Christmas Decorations Tips

Before we get to the list of lovely decorations, I have some tips and tricks that I believe will help you out. I found most of these out through trial and error, so I hope they save you some time and effort.

Stick to a Color Theme

If you are going to display the decorations throughout your home, it’s best to unify everything with a common color theme. All of the ideas in this list are easy to customize. Pick out ribbons or paint the wood the perfect color so that everything flows really well together.

You don’t have to stick to a common theme, but I know how amazing it will look if you do.

Even more fun, you can customize them so that they match your current home decor perfectly. Whether you want your entire home ensconced in blue and white this holiday season, or if you prefer something a bit brighter you can make your decorations with those hues. That way your home looks festive but seamless.

DIY Gingerbread Cookie Wreath #christmas #holiday #wreath #gingerbread #cookies #gingerbreadcookies #craft #christmasdecor

Host a Crafting Party

Homemade holiday decorations are so much fun to create, particularly with loved ones. You can even host a craft party for your DIY Christmas decorations and make a bunch of them all at once with friends.

All you need are some crafting supplies, cocktails, and snacks. Here are some of my favorite Christmas entertaining ideas to get you started.

Plus, sharing crafting supplies with one another is a great way to save money on homemade Christmas decorations. You can also just buy bulk craft supplies with someone else and split them up when they arrive.

Organize Your Supplies by Project

Getting creative can create a bit of a mess. To prevent your craft supplies from taking over your creative space, place each work in progress in its own tub or bin. Then, you have everything you need in one contained space when you are ready to finish the project.

WANT MORE? CHECK OUT ALL THESE CHRISTMAS IDEAS:

20+ Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas
160+ Creative Christmas Ideas – my favorite resource!
The Best Christmas Cocktail Recipes
My Favorite Christmas Cookies
Christmas Appetizer Recipes
The Ultimate Christmas Music Playlist
How to add Ribbon to your Christmas Tree – highly popular post!
Creative DIY Gingerbread Decor Ideas – NEW!

Creative and Easy Homemade Christmas Decorations

Enjoy this list of festive homemade Christmas decorations. You’ll find DIY holiday ideas ranging from complicated wreaths to easy gift bags. If you want step-by-step instructions, simply click on the link for more info and a tutorial. There is something for every skill level here. Here we go!

Creative DIY Gingerbread Decor Ideas #christmas #gingerbread #holiday #decor #diy #cookies #gingerbreadcookie #decorating Creative DIY Gingerbread Decor Ideas #christmas #gingerbread #holiday #decor #diy #cookies #gingerbreadcookie #decorating #village

1. DIY Gingerbread Snow Globe Village

A whimsical little gingerbread village is just what your tabletop needs. Place a tiny gingerbread house on a cake stand and surround it with some cute iced gingerbread trees. It looks just like a picture from a snowglobe.

Plus, the same post shows you how to create rustic gingerbread cookie cutter ornaments. Use them on your tree or add them to your mantel decor. I did both!

2. DIY Gingerbread Wreath

Classic gingerbread cookies are attached together to form a charming wreath. It’s easier than you might think, and it looks delicious enough to eat. This Scandinavian-style wreath is perfect in your kitchen, living room, or dining room.

DIY Bottle Brush Drink Stirrers #drink #stir #stirrer #christmas #holiday #bottlebrush #bottlebrushtree #cocktail #hotcocoa #hotchocolate

3. Easy Bottle Brush Drink Stirrers

These DIY Bottle Brush Drink Stirrers are Christmas decorations looking for a party. They are fancy enough to stay on your buffet or mantle but also work excellently as a way to add festivity to holiday cocktails.

By the way, make sure to grab my favorite Christmas cocktails right here.

Vintage-Inspired Christmas Gift Bags #craft #christmas #holiday #giftbags #gift #printable #transfer #giftideas #vintage #vintagechristmas

4. Vintage Inspired Christmas Gift Bags

Have you ever found a gift bag so cute that you wanted to set it out all season long? These DIY bags add classic holiday charm to your tree and work double-time to encase your Christmas gifts. The best thing is, you can make them any size you need.

Learn how to make this DIY Vintage Ornament Wall Decor Tree #christmas #holiday #vintage #ornament #tree #walldecor #decorating

5. Homemade Vintage Ornament Wall Decor Tree

This captivating wall Christmas tree is made completely out of ornaments. It’s a clever way to display a tree when you have a cat that likes to climb traditional ones. 😉 I am always up for collecting a vintage tree ornament or two, and this is one of my favorite ways to show off my collection.

Learn how to make this DIY Vintage Christmas Ornament Wreath #christmas #ornament #wreath #shinybrite #vintage #christmaswreath #DIY #holiday

6. DIY Vintage Ornament Wreath

Continuing with the theme of the vintage ornament, this showy wreath can easily become the most eye-catching thing on your walls. When you are looking for a decorative focal point, make an ornament wreath like this one.

While I used hot-glue sticks and a glue gun to secure my ornaments, you don’t have to. You can also just secure ornaments with wire or whatever else you are comfortable with.

DIY Modern Concrete Christmas Tree Decorations #DIY #ornament #christmas #tree #concrete #gold

7. Concrete Ornaments

For a more industrial look, create your own homemade Christmas ornaments out of concrete using cookie cutters. Personally, I like to fancify with some glitter for extra holiday magic. Add your own personal touches too.

DIY Cookie Cutter Wreath #DIY #wreath #christmas #holiday #cookie #cutter #homemade

Yes, you really can make an entire wreath out of cookie cutters! This homemade wreath is so simple that it is one of those crafts you can do with your kids or even your friends as you all enjoy some holiday cocktails.

DIY Paper Star Garland #garland #christmas #holiday #diy #bookpage #stars #gold #handmade

9. DIY Paper Star Garland

This simple garland adds an understated beauty to your Christmas tree or banister. It’s a wonderful way to repurpose any old books that you were thinking of throwing away.

A Colorful DIY Forest for Christmas Decorating #DIY #woodtree #christmas #holiday #decor #handmande

10. Wood Trees

I am kind of obsessed with these colorful triangle wood slices. You can literally paint these simple wood trees any color you like. Then, create a mini Christmas village on your bookshelf, or just add lots of little trees to anywhere that needs a holiday touch.

DIY Oversized Wood Bead Garland #garland #christmas #gift #DIY #handmade

11. Wood Bead Garland

This wood bead garland goes the extra mile.With oversized wood beads interspersed between smaller ones and even square wood beads, this garland is here to be the star of the show. And, the best part is, it’s so simple to make. Thread some colorful or stained beads on a cord, then display them with pride.

How to Make a Marshmallow Wreath #marshmallowwreath #christmas #holiday #diy #handmade #craft #wreath #christmaswreath

12. Marshmallow Wreath

Grab a few bags of marshmallows, a wreath form, and some toothpicks because I’m teaching you how to make a fabulous, festive, and fluffy marshmallow wreath! It’s the perfect decorating for your kitchen or hot cocoa station!

Learn how to make these DIY Christmas Cookies Bags! #Christmas #holiday #cookiebags #diy #craft

These cute cheeky canvas cookie bags can hold more than just cookies in them. Use them to give homemade food gifts or as a way to deliver your Christmas cookie tray.

DIY Gold Foil Napkins | #DIY #napkins #gold #foil #holiday #christmas #handmade

14. DIY Gold Foil Napkins

Add a touch of elegance to your dining table with these simple gold striped napkins. If you aren’t into decorating with gold colors, use any other color on the napkins.

Gradient Rainbow Christmas Wreath #christmas #wreath #ornaments #rainbow #DIY #holiday

15. Rainbow Christmas Wreath

When you can’t choose just one color to decorate with, use them all! This happy little rainbow wreath is built on an evergreen base. It makes everyone smile when they see all the cheerful colors.

DIY Embroidery Hoop Christmas Ornaments on pine with lights and felt garland.

16. DIY Embroidery Hoop Christmas Ornaments

Use old plaid shirts and embroidery hoops to craft these DIY embroidery hoop Christmas ornaments. This is an easy and budget-friendly craft with stunning results to use in decorating your Christmas tree and home for the holidays.

Abstract Holiday Gift Tags #christmas #gifttags #tags #DIY #handmade #abstract #art #painting #holiday #giftwrapping #wrapping

17. Abstract Art Holiday Gift Tags

Add a unique and festive touch to your gift wrapping with these Abstract Art Holiday Gift Tags. Not only are they fun and easy to make but they add a personal, homemade touch to any gift.

18. DIY Clay Christmas Ornaments

Make DIY Clay Christmas Ornaments with oven-baked clay and stamp-style cookie cutters. This is a fun and easy homemade Christmas decor idea that anyone can do. The results are beautiful, professional, and totally festive!

19. Popcorn Garland

We going old school. I’m teaching you how to make classic popcorn garland. This easy and inexpensive Christmas craft is a classic and beautiful way to decorate your tree and home for the holidays.

20. Paper Chain Garland

Deck your halls, mantel, and tree with this beautiful homemade paper chain. We are taking a kindergarten craft and turning it into chic holiday decor using leftover wallpaper and colored craft paper.

21. Rustic Star Anise Christmas Wreath

All you need is some brown wire, star anise, and a couple of tools to craft this rustic star anise Christmas wreath. Use these wreaths to deck your halls, decorate a garland, or trim your tree. This is an easy DIY with beautiful results.

That’s a Wrap on Homemade Christmas Decorations!

There you go! I hope you enjoyed this list super-fun homemade Christmas decorations. All of them are easy enough for beginning crafters, and you can make them in any color or style that you like. I hope they spark more creative ideas for you too. Happy crafting!

Love these festive ideas and want more?

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Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies

Recipes

Wednesday
Nov / 24 / 2021
Comments 4

Cherry cookie dough and almond cookie dough are swirled together to create these light, crisp, and flavorful Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies. If you’re looking to add color, pattern, and festive flavor to your holiday cookie trays, these will do the trick!

Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies

Are you ready for another Christmas cookie recipe? Well, ready or not, I have one to share with you! In this post, we’re making Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies.

If you’ve been paying close attention to my posts, you might remember that I shared a pinwheel cookie recipe last Christmas. Well, I also wanted to make this recipe at that time, but that didn’t get accomplished. That’s why I made sure to make these cookies as early as I could this year.

As you can see, the swirled pattern and bold color on these Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies are so eye-catching. I’ve always been intrigued and attracted to this design and pattern. Therefore, some version of these cookies has become a must make.

I also LOVE the combination of cherry and almond. I’ve made a few recipes inspired by this flavor combination. Two of my favorites are these Cherry Almond Shortbread Cookies and this Cherry Almond Oatmeal. So good!!

Now, before we get into this recipe, I want to mention that these do take time time to make. To keep those sharp layers, it’s really important that the dough be chilled. Consequently, there are several instances where the dough must be returned to the refrigerator. I recommend working on another cookie recipe at the same time or speeding up the process by using the freezer.

Need more festive cookie recipe ideas? You’re in luck because I have a collection of 22+ amazing Christmas cookie recipes! You can find all of those delicious cookie confections HERE.

LOOKING FOR MORE FESTIVE COOKIE RECIPES? TRY THESE:

Now onto the recipe!

Kitchen Tools I Recommend for This Recipe:

Whether you’re wondering what equipment you’ll need for this recipe, curious about my favorite utensils, or if you’re just looking to stock your own kitchen, these are the kitchen tools I recommend for this recipe:

Want more? You can find the list of My Ultimate Kitchen Essentials HERE.

How to Make Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. I’ve provided a full list of the ingredients and detailed recipe instructions in a printable recipe card below.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix to combine.

Divide the dough in half. To one of the halves, add the cherry extract and red gel food coloring. To the other half, mix in the ground almonds. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and chill until firm: about 2-3 hours.

Between 2 sheets of wax paper, roll each portion of dough into an 8×15 rectangle. Place on a cookie sheet and chill for 30 minutes.

Remove the wax paper from both, placing the almond rectangle on top of the cherry rectangle. Starting with a long side, roll up the dough tightly. Then, roll in coarse sugar and chill again for about 1-2 hours or until firm.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Cut the dough log into 1/4-inch slices. Place 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until set. The bottom of these cookies can burn quickly. (I learned this the hard way.) Keep an eye on them near the end of their baking time in order to prevent burnt bottoms.

Remove from the sheet pan to cool completely. Store cookies in an airtight container.

As I mentioned above, these Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies do take time but the results are totally worth it. I think these make a delicious addition to your Christmas spread thanks to their color and unique flavor.

And remember, if you need more holiday cookie recipes, I have lots to share. Check out this post here for all of my favorites.

Happy Holiday Baking!

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Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies Recipe:

Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: christmas, christmas cookie, cookie, holiday, pinwheels

Servings: cookies

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Chilling Time 5 hrs

Total Time 5 hrs 30 mins

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Cherry cookie dough and almond cookie dough are swirled together to create these light, crisp, and flavorful Cherry Almond Pinwheel Cookies. If you're looking to add color, pattern, and festive flavor to your holiday cookie trays, these will do the trick!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter - softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons cherry extract
red gel food coloring
1/4 cup ground almonds
coarse sanding sugar

Equipment

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix to combine.
Divide the dough in half. To one of the halves, add the cherry extract and red gel food coloring. To the other half, mix in the ground almonds. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and chill until firm: about 2-3 hours.
Between 2 sheets of wax paper, roll each portion of dough into an 8x15 rectangle. Place on a cookie sheet and chill for 30 minutes.
Remove the wax paper from both, placing the almond rectangle on top of the cherry rectangle. Starting with a long side, roll up the dough tightly. Then, roll in coarse sugar and chill again for about 1-2 hours or until firm.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Cut the dough log into 1/4-inch slices. Place 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Baked for 8-10 minutes or until set. Remove from the sheet pan to cool completely.
Store cookies in an airtight container.

Notes

The bottom of these cookies can burn quickly. (I learned this the hard way.) Keep an eye on them near the end of their baking time in order to prevent burnt bottoms.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 105kcal • Carbohydrates: 13g • Protein: 1g • Fat: 5g • Saturated Fat: 3g • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g • Monounsaturated Fat: 1g • Trans Fat: 1g • Cholesterol: 18mg • Sodium: 49mg • Potassium: 13mg • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 7g • Vitamin A: 150IU • Calcium: 9mg • Iron: 1mg

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

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How to Make a Marshmallow Wreath

Christmas, DIY, Holidays, Wreaths

Tuesday
Nov / 23 / 2021
Comments 3

Grab a few bags of marshmallows, a wreath form, and some toothpicks because I’m teaching you how to make a fabulous, festive, and fluffy marshmallow wreath!

DIY Marshmallow Wreath:

Back in 2014, I crafted my first marshmallow wreath. It was one of those impromptu late-night projects that I created out of passion and for which I failed to write any sort of tutorial. (Oops!) Flash forward to 7 years later and after many, many requests, I’m finally bringing you this Marshmallow Wreath tutorial!

That OG marshmallow wreath that I made back in 2014 has since been put to rest. I made the horrible mistake of putting it in my attic and it melted into a sticky mess that could not be saved. (FYI: Do not be like me. If you make this wreath, store it in a dry, even temperature location.)

I was kind of bummed about it and my mom came to the rescue and surprised me by making one for me as a Christmas gift two years ago. Here is the one she made:

As you can see, this one is a bit bigger than my original wreath.

Looking for More Festive Wreath to craft? Try these:

Because I wanted to show you the process from start to finish, I decided to make another marshmallow wreath. I went a bit smaller than the previous two. This way I could share the process with you, and also make something a little different.

Sound good?

Before we get into the tutorial, it’s worth mentioning that this wreath is really easy to make. I mean REALLY easy. Also, depending on the size of the wreath, I think it comes together quickly. If you have a good hour to dedicate to it, that’s probably an adequate amount of time.

With all this being said, I will get to the heart of things and teach you how to make a marshmallow wreath.

How to Make a Marshmallow Wreath:

Supplies:

Start with your wreath form. You can use any size you like. This is a 10-inch form. (It’s likely not needed, but I did include a printable version of this tutorial below if you’d like to print it out to reference as you work.)

Grab your marshmallows and toothpicks. For this size wreath, I needed almost 3 standard-sized bags of marshmallows and I used standard double-sided toothpicks.

Starting with the outer edge of the wreath, press a toothpick into the wreath form, and then add a marshmallow to the toothpick. (I told you this was easy.) The toothpick should be in the wreath far enough so that it doesn’t stick out of the opposite end of your marshmallow.

Continue working all the way around the outer edge until it is full. I like to place the marshmallows pretty close together for a filled-in look. You can add the marshmallows in any direction you’d like. For my wreath, I varied the direction for a more whimsical look. In regards to the wreath my mom made, she was pretty consistent with how she placed the marshmallows so the wreath looks a bit tidier. Choose whichever look you like best.

With the outer ring of the wreath complete, repeat the same process in the inner ring.

Once you have the outside and inside of the wreath complete, just start filling in. I recommend filling in one area and working your way around the wreath until you end up back where you started.

Once the wreath is full and filled, add on a ribbon and a bow and hang that beauty up.

You can find the ribbon I used HERE. I think this red and white striped ribbon pairs perfectly with the marshmallows. If for some reason that is sold out, check out these HERE and HERE.

Now, I will say that the toothpicks are not foolproof. You are likely going to have a rogue marshmallow or two, especially once you hang it. When this happens, pull out your hot glue gun and glue those marshmallows into place. I had about 3-4 marshmallows that were being stubborn on this particular wreath. After using a few dabs of hot glue, I’ve had no other issues.

And that is it my friends! I told you this was a simple project.

I think the end result is so cute and perfect for holiday decorating. Don’t you? I typically hang mine in or near my kitchen, but it will look fabulous anywhere.

Also, you can keep this for years and years as long as you don’t store it in an extremely hot attic as I did. Keep it dry and at a stable temperature and all will be well. The marshmallows will harden over time but they will keep their shape and fluffiness for years.

I hope you enjoyed this long-awaited tutorial on how to make a Marshmallow Wreath. Give it a try and be sure to share your results with me on Instagram. Tag me @inspiredbycharm.

Happy Holiday Crafting!

Marshmallow Wreath Tutorial:

Marshmallow Wreath

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Crafting Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour

Pin It!

Grab a few bags of marshmallows, a wreath form, and some toothpicks because I'm teaching you how to make a fabulous, festive, and fluffy marshmallow wreath!

Pin It!

Materials

Instructions

Start with your wreath form. You can use any size you like. The one shown uses a 10-inch form.
Grab your marshmallows and toothpicks. For this size wreath, I needed almost 3 standard-size bags of marshmallows and I used standard double-sided toothpicks.
Start with the outer edge of the wreath, press a toothpick into the wreath form, and then add a marshmallow to the toothpick. The toothpick should be in the wreath far enough that it doesn't stick out the opposite end of your marshmallow.
Continue working all the way around the outer edge until it is full. I like to place the marshmallows pretty close together for a filled-in look. You can add the marshmallows in any direction you'd like. For my wreath, I varied the direction for a more whimsical look. In regards to the wreath my mom made, she was pretty consistent with how she placed the marshmallows so it looks a bit tidier.
With the outer ring of the wreath complete, repeat the same process in the inner ring.
Once you have the outside and inside of the wreath complete, just start filling in. I recommend filling in one area and working your way around the wreath until you end up back where you started.
Once the wreath is full and filled, add on a ribbon and a bow and hang that beauty up.

Notes

You can find the ribbon I used HERE. I think this red and white striped ribbon pairs perfectly with the marshmallows. If for some reason that is sold out, check out these HERE and HERE.

Now, I will say that the toothpicks are not foolproof. You are likely going to have a rogue marshmallow or two, especially once you hang it. When this happens, pull out your hot glue gun and glue those marshmallows into place. I had about 3-4 marshmallows that were being stubborn on this particular wreath. With a few dabs of hot glue, I've had no other issues.

Made it? Share it!Tag @inspiredbycharm on Instagram and use the tag #myIBC so we can see what you're cooking in the kitchen!

THIS POST HAS 3 COMMENTS
Join the conversation.

Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

Recipes

Monday
Nov / 22 / 2021
Comments 3

Festive, fun, and kissed with peppermint flavor, these Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful nibble to add to your Christmas cookie platter. They may even become a new holiday favorite!

Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

In recent years, I have developed a love of peppermint in sweet treats and cookies. Peppermint wasn’t something I was a fan of before, but now I can’t get enough of it. This makes me excited to add these Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies to IBC’s Christmas cookie collection!

I have been waiting to make a candy cane-style cookie for years, so I’m glad to finally cross it off my list. They are everything I hoped they would be and then some!

Looking for more peppermint treats? Try these:

What made these Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies even more special is that I got to make them with my mom. She visited this past weekend and we worked on a few recipes together. When I was growing up, my mom and I would always spend a day making sugar cookies with my “gram.” My Mom would bake the cookies, my gram would add the frosting, and I would decorate them. It was nice to relive this tradition in a new way.

Baking Christmas cookies is still one of my favorite holiday activities. I have shared dozens of Christmas cookie recipes here on IBC. You can find a collection of my must-make favorite recipes HERE.

If you’ve never made a candy cane cookie like these, I definitely recommend giving them a try! And if you want a quick tip before we start baking, I highly recommend THIS gel food coloring. Once I discovered it, it’s the only food coloring I will use. It always creates such vibrant colors.

Now let’s bake!

Kitchen Tools I Recommend for This Recipe:

Want more? You can find the list of My Ultimate Kitchen Essentials HERE.

How to Make Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies:

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the egg, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix to combine.

I’ve provided a full list of the ingredients and detailed recipe instructions in a printable recipe card below.

Add the flour to the butter mixture and mix until combined.

Divide the dough in half. Wrap one piece in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill. Divide the other piece into half again. Add green food coloring to one portion of the dough and red food coloring to the other portion. (I highly recommend THIS gel food coloring.) Wrap each dough separately in plastic wrap and then place them in the refrigerator to chill. The dough should be chilled for about 2 hours.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Divide the plain dough into 36 equal portions. Then, divide the red and green dough into 18 portions each. Roll each portion of all the doughs into a 4-inch rope.

Place a colored rope next to a plain rope, press together gently, then twist. Curve the dough at the top to create a candy cane shape. Repeat with the remaining ropes of dough. Place 2 inches apart onto an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottom edges of the cookie just start to turn golden brown and the cookie is set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about one minute before removing and placing them on a wire rack to cool completely.

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave by heating in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval. Continue heating and stirring until smooth. Dip the ends of the cooled cookies into the melted white chocolate. Place on a piece of wax paper and sprinkle with coordinating crushed peppermint candies.

Once the chocolate is set, store the cookies in an airtight container.

As you can see, the resulting cookies are truly festive! They taste delicious too. (You’ll have to trust me on that one until someone develops taste-o-vision.)

I hope you enjoy these Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies! Happy Baking!

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Have you tried this recipe? Follow me on Instagram, then share YOUR dish with #myIBC and tag @inspiredbycharm. It’s fun to see how folks are using recipes from IBC.

Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies Recipe:

Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: candy cane, christmas, christmas cookie, cookie, holiday, peppermint

Servings: cookies

Prep Time 45 mins

Cook Time 12 mins

Chilling Time 2 hrs

Total Time 2 hrs 57 mins

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Festive, fun, and kissed with peppermint flavor, these Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful nibble to add to your Christmas cookie platter. They may even become a new holiday favorite!

Pin It!