No-Bake Edible Cookie Ornament Wreaths!

Making edible cookie wreath ornaments for your tree is a fun, easy and inexpensive project to do with your kids! One thing I like about this craft is that all ages can do it and the wreaths don’t have to be perfect to look cute. The first thing you need to do is go to the store and find some sort of ring shaped cookie with a hole in the middle. They generally come as shortbread-type cookies in the less expensive section. If the cookies have a drizzle of chocolate on them already, it doesn’t matter. You can still buy them and use them. I found 3 different kinds of ring-shaped cookies at the store, so I chose the least expensive, which cost me a whopping $1.50. I melted Wilton white chocolate candy melts in the microwave and dipped the cookies on both sides. If you can’t afford Wilton candy melts or almond bark, you can make your own chocolate coating by using less expensive chocolate chips and shortening. I posted the recipe on this blog, however, I also included it below. I then took a straw and slipped it through the hole of the cookie, so I could lift if out of the chocolate. I then placed the cookie on a cooling rack (sprayed with Pam) and decorated with sprinkles. I picked up the cooling rack and gave it a few firm drops to help even out the chocolate and create a smoother look to the top of the cookie. Be sure to put some wax paper under your cooling rack. This will catch the chocolate drips. Once you have finished all your cookies, you can allow them to harden at room temperature OR place the rack in the freezer for a few minutes. This will speed up the hardening process. Use your bits and pieces of Christmas ribbon and slip through the hole to tie off. Now for the fun part…let the kids hang them on the Christmas tree!
Mix 2 tablespoons of shortening per 2 cups of chocolate chips (or any flavor chips) and melt in the microwave at 30 second intervals. Stir between intervals. This will make a perfect candy or cookie coating! Don't use the "reduced fat" shortening, or it won't come out right. Use the regular old shortening. This is a big cost cutter during Christmas. During this time, you can generally pick up the Walmart brand chips for approx. $1.50 per bag.