We’ve all heard the doomsayers state that Christmas 2021 is already ruined due to “supply chain” issues. First of all, if your Christmas is ruined because you can’t get “stuff”, then you may want to rethink the reason for celebrating this holiday. And secondly, if you take a poll of your family and friends, you’ll probably find out that they don’t really want “stuff” anyway. Meaningful gifts that don’t come from ginormous online stores, gifts of an experience (like gift certificates to your favorite bed and breakfast), or hand made gifts are always a favorite of mine. And when it comes to hand made gifts, the edible kind are always a popular choice!
Here are a few of our family’s favorite Christmas cookie recipes:
Cranberry Oat Cookies
Not only do they taste good, but they’re also a colorful addition to any holiday plate!
2/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2/3 cup white chocolate chips
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar. Add eggs; mix well. Combine the dry ingredients; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the cranberries, pecans, and chips.
Drop by tablespoonfuls 3″ apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375° F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.
Almond Sugar Cookies
Pictured at top
½ cup sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. almond extract
2 ¼ cups flour
½ tsp. salt
Cream sugar & butter 2 minutes in a large bowl with electric mixer.
Add egg and extract, beat until well blended.
Stir together flour & salt; add to mixer & beat until combined
(If dough is too soft, wrap in plastic wrap & refrigerate 30-60 mins)
Place dough in cookie press; form desired shapes & place on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake in 400° F oven 6-8 minutes or until set, but not brown. Immediately remove to wire rack to cool.
**To make as bars, dough can be patted in a lightly sprayed 13X9-inch baking pan. Bake in 350 degree oven 20 minutes or until pale golden brown. Remove to wire rack.
Date Pinwheels
A sweet Christmas treat!
1 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped
3/4 cup white sugar (divided)
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
pinch of salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
In a saucepan, combine dates, 1/4 cup white sugar, water, nuts and salt. cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thick, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool. In a mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, egg and remaining white sugar. Combine flour, baking soda and salt; gradually stir into butter mixture. Chill for 30 minutes.
Roll dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4″ thick rectangle. Spread with date mixture; roll up jelly-roll style, starting at a long end. Wrap with waxed paper. Chill for at least 4 hours. Remove paper. Cut into 1/8″ to 1/4″ slices. Place 2″ apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° F for 8 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
Peppernuts
The cooks at our school made these before every Christmas break!
3 cups white sugar
3 cups brown sugar
3/4 cup butter
1/4 c. shortening
2 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. ginger
2 T. anise oil
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup nuts, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups water
5-10 cups flour
Cream sugars, butter and shortening. Add eggs, spices, baking powder, anise oil, nuts, water and mix together. Add flour, one cup at a time, until dough is very stiff. Chill. Put small amount of dough on floured board and work a little flour into the dough. Roll into thin rolls. Cut with sharp knife 1/4″ thick. Place on cookie sheet and bake at 375° F for 10 minutes.
Peanut Butter Haystacks
Be sure to drop these while they’re still warm – small stacks are more manageable!
1 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup salted peanuts
2 cups chow mein noodles
Melt butterscotch chips and peanut butter on top of a double boiler, or in a microwave. Blend together.
Stir peanuts and noodles gently into the melted peanut butter mixture.
Drop dough by forkfuls onto waxed paper. Cool until set.
Merry Christmas from Tiffany’s Bed and Breakfast!