Christmas cookies are a family tradition in my house. I started baking them as a child with my mother. We would bake and decorate them, and then box them up for our relatives. It was her way of teaching me about the spirit of giving. I still do it every year. And while I retired some of the old recipes, I replaced them with some new favorites. Last year I baked 2,000 christmas cookies. Why? Because now I give cookies to everyone. Relatives, friends, neighbors, my kid’s teachers… No one is spared. And, to be honest, there is something that happens to me every christmas season that makes me go a little overboard (this year it’s knitting. Stay tuned). These are my 12 favorite recipes that I make every year. Some are classics, some are unusual, some take hours and hours. All of them are delicious.
- sugar cookies The first cookies I learned to make as a kid, and so much fun to decorate. I use less sprinkles as an adult, though.
- peanut butter blossoms Another Christmas tradition. The Hershey’s kiss people are no doubt very happy about this.
- snickerdoodles The first cookies I make every year. Easy, and they make the whole house smell like Christmas.
- lemon curd sandwich cookies Tiny and dainty, these take several steps but are delightful. A good cookie to make if you are looking for something out of the ordinary.
- shortbread Classic, buttery. Freeze the dough, then slice and bake.
- double chocolate gingerbread shortbread Taking shortbread to a new place, then dipping it in chocolate.
- bon bon cookies Almond cookies with a chocolate center, dipped in sugar glaze and topped with chocolate. My family’s favorite. I probably wouldn’t be allowed in the door without them. I usually make these last to avoid eating them all.
- mexican wedding cookies aka russian tea cakes.
- gingerbread cookies cheerful little people that everyone bites the head off of first.
- white chocolate peppermint cookies Another time eater, but completely worth every minute. Like thin mints dipped in white chocolate and topped with crushed peppermint canes.
- lebkuchen the traditional christmas cookie of Germany flavored with cinnamon, ginger and cloves.
- caramel pecan bars Homemade caramel and pecans on a layer of shortbread. Make in a pan and cut them up.
Happy baking.