Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake: 7 Reasons to Bake Joy

There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays, isn’t there? It’s that cozy feeling of warmth filling the kitchen, the sweet aroma wafting through the air, and the joy of creating something special to share with loved ones. One of my absolute favorites is the Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake. This festive masterpiece not only looks stunning but also tastes incredible. I remember the first time I made it for a holiday gathering; everyone’s eyes lit up when they saw it! The combination of chewy cookie goodness, sprinkled with colorful M&M’s, brings out the child in all of us. Trust me, this cookie cake is bound to become a cherished tradition in your home, just like it is in mine. So, let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Ingredients for Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake

To create the delightful Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake, you’ll need a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that festive, mouthwatering flavor we all love. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s for that festive flair

Make sure your butter is nice and soft; it’ll make creaming with the sugars so much easier. And don’t skimp on those M&M’s! They’re what make this cookie cake truly pop and feel like a celebration on a plate. Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get baking!

How to Prepare the Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake

Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to baking this delightful Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a festive treat that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a properly heated oven ensures your cookie cake bakes evenly and turns that gorgeous golden brown we all love.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine the 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re well blended. This helps the baking soda distribute evenly, so we avoid any surprising pockets of flavor later on!

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl, let’s cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon for this. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with a light texture—about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cookie cake that lovely soft texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Time to add in the magic! Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly; the batter should look smooth and cohesive. A little tip: scraping down the sides of the bowl helps incorporate everything evenly!

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Now, gently add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. I like to do this gradually, about a third at a time, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it! We want to keep that light texture. You may still see a few flour streaks—that’s perfectly okay!

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&M’s

Next, it’s time to fold in the fun stuff! Carefully add 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of red and green M&M’s into the batter. Use a spatula to gently fold them in, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. You want those festive colors to shine through!

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Now, let’s shape our cookie cake! Spread the dough onto a greased baking sheet, forming a circular wreath shape. Aim for about 1 inch thick, so it bakes evenly. Pop that beauty into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the edges are set. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 8: Cool Before Decorating

Once it’s out of the oven, allow your Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating. Patience is key here—trust me, the wait will be worth it when you get to add those final festive touches!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake is more than just a delicious dessert; it’s a festive centerpiece that brings joy to any gathering. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making (and eating!) this delightful treat:

• Festive Appeal: With its vibrant colors and wreath shape, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday spread, instantly brightening up any table.
• Easy to Prepare: The straightforward steps make it a breeze to whip up, even for beginner bakers. You’ll have a stunning dessert in no time!
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of rich chocolate chips and crunchy M&M’s creates a delightful contrast, making every bite a festive explosion of flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or use different colored candies to match your holiday theme—let your creativity shine!
• Perfect for Sharing: With enough servings to go around, it’s a great way to spread holiday cheer among family and friends.

Trust me, once you’ve made this cookie cake, it’ll become a beloved holiday tradition you’ll look forward to each year!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake turns out perfectly, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that will help you every step of the way. Follow these, and you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that tastes as good as it looks!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures everything mixes evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until you don’t see any flour streaks. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cookie cake, and we definitely want it soft and chewy!
• Check for Doneness: The baking time can vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on it! The edges should be golden brown, but the center might look a bit soft. It’ll firm up as it cools!
• Decorating Tips: After your cookie cake has cooled, feel free to go wild with decorations! Use festive sprinkles, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even some whipped cream to make it extra special. Get the kids involved—they’ll love it!
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a fantastic Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying the Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake, knowing what’s inside can help you indulge with a little more awareness. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per slice (based on a yield of 12 servings):

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 15g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Enjoying this delightful cookie cake during the holidays is all about balance, so savor every delicious bite!

FAQ Section

Got questions about the Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I hear, along with my go-to answers. Let’s dive in!

Q1: Can I make this cookie cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake a day or two in advance. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This way, it stays fresh and delicious for your holiday gathering!

Q2: What if I don’t have M&M’s?
No worries at all! If you don’t have M&M’s on hand, you can substitute them with other festive candies like chocolate-covered pretzels, holiday sprinkles, or even chopped nuts. Get creative and make it your own!

Q3: Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can! If you want to make a gluten-free version of this cookie cake, just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free too, and you’ll be good to go!

Q4: How do I know when my cookie cake is done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to look for a golden-brown color around the edges, and when you gently touch the center, it should spring back slightly. If it still feels very soft, give it a couple more minutes in the oven.

Q5: Can I decorate the cookie cake with frosting?
Of course! While I love the simplicity of sprinkles, a festive buttercream or cream cheese frosting would be a delightful addition. Just make sure the cookie cake is fully cooled before spreading on the frosting to keep it looking beautiful!

Hopefully, these answers help you feel more confident about baking your own Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve created your stunning Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake, let’s talk about how to elevate your festive experience by serving it just right! Here are some delightful ideas that complement the cookie cake beautifully:

• Pair with Hot Cocoa: Serve slices of your cookie cake alongside steaming mugs of rich hot cocoa. Top the cocoa with whipped cream and maybe even a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a festive touch!
• Ice Cream Delight: A scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream on the side adds a creamy contrast to the chewy cookie cake. The melting ice cream will blend perfectly with the warm flavors!
• Fresh Fruit Plate: Balance out the sweetness with a platter of fresh fruit. Slices of crisp apples, juicy pears, or a medley of berries provide a refreshing bite that complements the cookie cake.
• Cheese Board: Create a cozy cheese board with assorted cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits. The savory elements will pair beautifully with the sweetness of the cookie cake, making for a delightful treat!
• Festive Spritzers: Serve the cookie cake with some holiday-themed beverages, like sparkling cranberry spritzers or spiced apple cider. They add a lovely holiday cheer to your dessert spread!

Each of these serving suggestions will not only enhance the flavor of your Giant Holiday Wreath Cookie Cake but also create a warm, inviting atmosphere for your holiday celebrations. So gather your loved ones, serve up some slices, and enjoy the festive cheer together!

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