Making and giving cookies is one of my favorite holiday traditions. I love baking with Christmas music playing in the background, my daughters helping roll out the dough, and of course with the tasting. This year I perhaps went a little overboard, but isn’t that what the holidays are all about?!
This is what went into my cookie tins that were delivered with lots of love to friends and officemates:
Swedish Cream Wafers
My husband’s childhood next door neighbor gave me this recipe when I met her, along with a batch of the most delightful cookies I have ever tasted. They are a hit every year, and are requested often! The recipe is posted below.
Cinnamon Chocolate Fudge
Recipe by my cooking idol, Giada de Laurentiis. These were divine! Simple to make and scrumptious. I am thinking that next time I make them I’m going to add a little cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/cinnamon-chocolate-fudge-recipe/index.html
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Eggnog Cookies
I found these to be like taking a little bite of Christmas, my husband however declared they were a little too sweet. I’m making more tonight for my daughter’s class party tomorrow – I think 4th graders like “a little too sweet” just fine!
http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/11/melt-mouth-eggnog-cookies/#comment-36114
Rosemary Chocolate Chip Shortbread
These were the office favorite! The recipe does not make many, so if you need a lot, be sure to double.
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Well, these earned their own blog post, enough said.
http://thefortuitouscook.com/?s=blossoms&searchsubmit-top=search
Toasty Coconut Macaroons
Simple, tasty, not so pretty looking though. These were super easy, although they got a little dried out.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/toasty-coconut-macaroons-recipe/index.html
Mint Chocolate Truffles
While I adore the Pioneer Woman, and have enjoyed everything I’ve made of hers, these unfortunately didn’t hit the mark. They were time intensive, messy, and the ingredients very expensive. They were pretty though, and looked fancy!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/mint-chocolate-truffles-recipe/index.html
Swedish Cream Wafers
1 Cup Soft Butter
1/3 Cup Heavy Cream
2 Cups Flour
Mix above ingredients and chill for about 1 hour.
Filling:
½ Cup Butter
1 ½ Cup Powdered Sugar
2 Egg Yolks
2 t Vanilla
Mix all together
Roll the dough out to 1/8” thickness, cut into small ½” circles, cover dough circles with sugar, place on parchment lined baking sheet and using a fork prick the dough several times. Bake at 350 for 7-9 minutes.
Let cool, make little sandwich cookies using the filling.