Classic Almond Wreath Cookies

For the Cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup Crisco
• 2/3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk (reserve white for decorating)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For Decorating

• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup finely chopped sliced almonds
• red and green candied cherries
• silver dragees

1. Blend butter and Crisco; add whole egg, egg yolk and vanilla and stir to blend. Add powdered sugar and stir to combine, then add salt and flour and blend until well-combined. (A Kitchen-Aid stand mixer makes quick work of this.) The dough will be soft.
2. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon and almonds for topping.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place half of dough in a cookie press fitted with the star tip. Press dough into a circular wreath, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
4. When you've pressed out a tray full of cookies, brush them lightly with the beaten egg white. Sprinkle with cinnamon-almond sugar. Cut candied cherries into tiny bits and place on the cookies to resemble holly and ivy. Or, use green or red cherries and a silver dragée to resemble a bow and silver bell.
5. Bake for 10 minutes, until set and beginning to lightly brown.