“C is for Cookie; and cookie starts with C”, or at least that’s what Cookie Monster says.
What else starts with “C”? Christmas!
This time of year it seems that the words “Christmas” and “cookie” are almost synonymous. Whether you want to make Christmas cookies with your kids, give cookies as a Christmas present, or just leave a few yummy morsels for Santa, these recipes will be enjoyed by all. Remember, when you bake at Christmas you aren’t just making cookies, you’re making memories.
Making these cookies was one of our family traditions and one of my fondest memories. I can still picture my Mom, my brother, and I in the kitchen rolling out the dough, using cookie cutters to form the dough into shapes, and covering each one with sprinkles. We’d be laughing and having fun. Sometimes we even threw a little flour on each other just to see what would happen. Whenever I think of Christmas Cookies, this is the recipe that comes to mind. I hope it brings you and your family as many warm memories as it did mine.
Classic Christmas Cookies
Combine in large bowl:
1 cup brown sugar 1 cup white sugar
2 eggs 1 cup buttermilk
4 cups flour ½ pound margarine
2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
(If the dough is runny, add a little more flour.)
Put the dough in the refrigerator overnight.
The next day, your dough will be ready to work.
Start by placing the dough on a floured board and rolling it out ½ inch thick.
Then use Christmas cookie cutters to cut into shapes.
Place each cookie on greased cookie sheet, and cover with sprinkles.
Bake at 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes (until brown)
Cool and enjoy with your family and friends.
What goes great with Christmas cookies? Hot chocolate.
I love hot chocolate. There is nothing like it on a cold winter’s morning. Maybe you’re the type of person who likes a cup of cocoa on a blustery, snowy night. Either way this recipe for homemade hot chocolate will hit the spot. This rich, chocolatly drink is even better when you add a few marshmallows. This recipe makes between 2 and 3 cups.
HOT CHOCOLATE
Dissolve in a little bit of water:
1/4 cup cocoa and ½ cup sugar
Add 2 cups of milk and stir
Cook at a medium heat on the stove top until the cocoa boils.
Add some marshmallows and enjoy a treat!
Here’s one last holiday baking tip: Enjoy it!
Don’t get stressed about the mess or making every cookie look perfect. Relax and enjoy making your creations. Let your children get their hands (and the floors) dirty as they help. If you don’t have kids, invite some friends over to make a cookie making party.
In the end, the holidays aren’t about perfect cookies, decorations, or gifts. It’s about spending time making memories with people you love. If you happen to have some delicious sugary treats at the end of the day, that’s just icing on the cake. So don’t hurry through your holiday baking. Take your time and enjoy every moment of it. While you’re at it, enjoy every moment of your holiday season. Happy Baking!
Adessa Holden is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God specializing in Women's Ministry. Together with her brother, Jamie, they manage 4One Ministries and travel the East Coast speaking, holding conferences, and producing Men's and Women's resources that provide practical Biblical teaching for everyday life.
When asked about herself, she'll tell you "I'm a women's minister, a sister, and a daughter. I love to laugh and spend time with people. My favorite things are chocolate, the ocean, sandals and white capris, anything purple, summertime and riding in the car listening to music. It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve Jesus and women through this ministry.
