Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. My town is decorated with wreathes and lights and my house looks like Dickens’ Village with all my decorations I have out. And, I LOVE Christmas cookies.
Not only do I enjoy eating them, I love reading the stories behind the recipes. I find that so many Christmas recipes have lovely memories.
“There were Christmases, when I just didn’t have the time to bake loads of cookies. But even during those ‘slim cookie’ years, I always made Wishing Cookies,” reminisces Joanne Bellezza-Loughlin. “They are, by far, my family’s favorites.” These tasty cookies made the Test Kitchen smell wonderful on a cool fall morning. The blend of spices and molasses made these similar to a gingerbread cookie. There’s a wonderful story behind them too. “If the cookie breaks into three pieces and you can eat all three pieces without saying a word, you get to make a wish,” explains Joanne. I made my wish!
“As a child, we always made a four hour drive to spend the Christmas week at grandmother Nicky’s house,” says Caroline Reznicek. “She always had wonderful things baked for us kids and the thing I looked forward to sinking my teeth into the most was her Sand Tart cookies.” I think it’s special to share family recipes at the holiday’s. You bite into the cookies and remember wonderful times. Caroline’s sand tarts are a really tasty, light cookie. With a delicate lemon flavor they are both refreshing and addictive.
The base for Noelle Myers Cranberry Eggnog Cookies with Orange Dream Glaze comes from her great-great-great grandmother and is over 200 years old. With that kind of history, you know these are gonna be good. After one bite, I knew these would be a great addition to my cookie tray. “These cookies are among my most requested for the Christmas holidays,” says Noelle. “They are Christmas in a cookie, with the bright cranberries, and decadent eggnog flavors they have won over the pickiest of cookie connoisseurs.” From the soft cookie and the pecans to the orange, cranberry and eggnog flavors, this is one impressive (and flavorful) cookie!
The almonds and almond extract add lovely flavor to Marsha Gardner’s Moreish Cookies with Jam. “Deliciously crisp with a tasty dab of jam in the middle, these are what the British call moreish,” explains Marsha. “You cannot eat just one. I dare you to try!” These cookies aren’t overly sweet and perfect for someone with a slight sweet tooth. And will round out your cookie tray nicely.
Mary Ann Thompson’s Orange Blossom Balls are an easy and delicious! “My mother always made these at Christmas when I was a kid,” shares Mary Ann. “I liked helping her make them because it was so good to snitch a bite or two!” The orange juice, nuts and coconuts combine for a flavor punch. And, they’re just adorable.
Before Santa arrives, create memories with your family and bake a few of these scrumptious cookies. Do you have a favorite Christmas cookie? Make sure to share your recipe!