copyright © leanne ely all rights reserved. may be copied ......first, the basic guidelines call...

VOLUME 11. Swedish Ginger Cookies2. Peppermint Wreaths3. Heavenly Gingerbread Men4. Snickerdoodles5. Eggnog Christmas Cookies6. Nutmeg Logs7. Cranberry Tarts8. Christmas Pinwheels9. Cardamom Crisps10.Macaroon Kisses11.Mocha Slices12.Caramel Yummies

VOLUME 2

1. Apricot Cookies2. Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies3. Chocolate Truffle Cookies4. Crème de Menthe Brownies5. Festive Cookies6. Fruit Cake Cookies7. Peanut Butter Tarts8. Pecan Snowballs9. Peppermint Bark Cookies10.S'mores Cookie Bars11.Turtle Cookies12.White Chocolate Cherry Biscotti

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Copyright © 2020 Leanne Ely All Rights Reserved. May be copied for individual personal use only. If you’d like to share, please share our free menus available on the web at

www.SavingDinner.com

VOLUME 31. Cranberry Christmas Pinwheels2. Key Lime Pie Shortbread Cookies3. Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies4. Lebkuchen Holiday Cookies5. Moravian Spice Cookies6. Jam Thumbprints7. Classic Peanut Butter Cookies8. Mom's Christmas Monster Cookies9. Toasted Coconut Mounds10.Sour Cream Sugar Cookies11.Brown Butter and Almond Cookies12.Mini Bourbon Snowballs

VOLUME 4

1. Black Walnut Sandies2. Chocolate Coconut Macaroons3. Peanut Butter Buckeyes4. Chocolate Coated Orange Spritz Cookies5. Stained Glass Sugar Cookies6. Turkish Delight7. Eggnog Fudge8. Dark Chocolate Toffee Cookies9. Mini Chocolate Cookies10.Caramel Rum Blondies11.Grandma's Scotchy Oat Bars12.Christmas Spice Biscotti

Each volume provides a Bonus Cookie Exchange Planner, Shopping List, Sample Invitation, Party Tips, Baking Hints, and Contest and Game Ideas.

Copyright © 2020 Leanne Ely All Rights Reserved. May be copied for individual personal use only.

If you‟d like to share, please share our free menus available on the web at www.SavingDinner.com

12 Cookies of Christmas – Volume 1 — Page 2 of 18

A fun way to enjoy a delicious variety of holiday cookies without all of the hard work!

There are almost as many variations of Cookie Exchanges as there are Christmas cookies. Here is our version. Included, you’ll find a timeline, rules, a sample invitation, party tips, baking hints, games and contests, recipe card link, and, of course, Christmas cookie recipes. Let’s get down to some quick basics.

The Basic Rules of a Cookie Exchange

Include these rules, or something similar, with your cookie exchange invitation.

1. This is a themed cookie exchange. If you are using a cookie cutter, avoid those that are not in keepingwith the theme, such as acorns, leaves, bunnies or ghosts.

2. All cookies must be homemade. No store bought, slice and bake cookies, or any of the other quick bake

cookies allowed. This includes remove from container and bake, just add water and bake or any otherprepackaged cookies.

3. No chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies unless they are unique, different, gourmet and to die for.

4. RSVP as soon as possible with your recipe name and brief description.

5. Submit your recipe to hostess by deadline.

6. Test a small batch of your cookie recipe prior to submitting your recipe.

7. Bring one dozen cookies for each participant plus 1 dozen to be sampled and shared at the party.

(Variation: Have each guest bring 1/2 dozen cookies per guest instead of 1 dozen per guest.)

8. Arrange cookies in an attractive manner in keeping with the theme. Bring a carry home container large

enough to hold all the cookies and containers you will be bringing home.

9. If an emergency arises and you cannot attend or your recipe failed, contact hostess immediately.

10. Don your favorite Christmas sweater and come prepared to have fun


… Set party date and time. … Secure location for party if you are hosting it outside of your home. … Make guest list. … Copy rules and recipe card. Purchase and prepare invitations. … Decide on party theme if using one. This is optional. You may want your guests to share

cherished family favorites or select Christmas cookies from foreign lands. Put this information on invitation.

… Set deadline for returning recipe cards. Include this information on invitation. … If co-hosting party, divide up the responsibilities at this point. … Decide if you will be providing all the food and beverages for the party or if you will be asking

guests to bring food and drink items. … Send out invitations along with RSVP deadline set for 3-4 weeks before party. … Decide on games and contests if any are to be played.

… Decide on menu for party. … If necessary, begin placing any orders for food, drinks or decorations that you will have

prepared. This includes, but is not limited to, meat/cheese trays, vegetable trays, floral arrangements, etc.

… Begin purchasing any needed paper goods, decorations, cookie making supplies/ingredients, food and drink for party, holiday music, candles etc.

… As guests begin to RSVP make sure you do not have any duplicate recipes. … Finish up items not checked off last week. … Call guests who have not yet RSVP‟d. If you have a guest that cannot attend, you still have time

to fill that slot with another person if desired. … Plan party layout in your home. If you‟ll need extra tables or chairs, begin the search for them

now by contacting family, friends, place of worship or a rental center. … Make a list of all of the party essentials you will need such as punch bowl, table cloth, serving

pieces, platters or trays. If you do not have all of the essentials, begin to purchase what you will need or borrow from family and friends.

… Encourage your guests to begin their cookies about 3 days prior to the party. Baking 13 dozen cookies the afternoon of the party will leave your guest too stressed out to enjoy the party.

… If games and contests are to be played at party, begin to collect any prizes to be given. … Collect recipes cards and have copies made for each participant.

… Finish up items not checked off during last week.

… If possible, begin food preparations for party that can be frozen and thawed or reheated the day

of the party.

… If you haven‟t already decorated your house for the Christmas season, begin your decorating

now.

… Make arrangements for hubby and children to be out of the house during the party or at least

sequestered in another section of your home.

… Bake your cookies and freeze them or store them in an air tight container.

… Clean house or at least the areas that will have guests.

… Any items that you will be borrowing or renting, gather up now.

… Finish purchasing any needed paper goods, decorations, cookie making supplies/ingredients,

food and drink for party, holiday music, candles etc.




… Have a timeline prepared for actual party so that you can make sure you include time for

socializing, eating, sharing stories about the cookies, contests, games and exchanging cookies

and passing out recipe cards.

… Finish up items not completed prior to now.

… Purchase ice.

… Finish food and drinks for party.

… Chill any beverages as needed.

… Arrange furniture for party.

… Set up tables and chairs. Arrange food table and cookie table.

… Set out decorations, table linens, serving pieces, flatware, plates, cups, etc.

… Defrost or thaw your cookies. Place them on/in your container.

… Set up any last minute decorations.

… Reheat food if needed. Arrange on serving trays. Enlist help of husband or older children in this

job.

… Make coffee, punch, tea, eggnog, hot cocoa or cider. Enlist help of husband or older children in

this job.

… Put on some soothing music and take a nice long bubble bath.

… Get dressed in your Christmas finery.

… Set out ice.

… Light candles.

… Turn on party music.

… Say good bye to family.

… Go over timeline for party.

… Welcome guests and have FUN!!




Setting the groundwork!

On page 2, in the sidebar, we have listed some basic rules of a cookie exchange. These are a guideline to get you started. Along with your invitation, you should include a copy of your exchange‟s rule, so that everyone knows what to expect and can follow thru to ensure a successful exchange. Not sure why you need one of the rules, or how you may want to change it? Below is a brief explanation of what we were thinking.

1. Even if they are the best tasting cookies ever made, no one wants to take home a dozen Easter egg shapedcookies in pastel colors during the month of December.

2. This rule keeps the playing field level. Even those moms who eschew Martha Stewart and say they can‟t cook theirway out of a paper sack, can still whip up some amazing cookies. Those ladies that do go the extra mile could feel

slighted or hurt knowing all the time and effort they have put into their creations only to bring home a paper plate of

Oreos or slice and bake sugar cookies with Rudolph‟s likeness.

3. Yes, we all love chocolate. But variety is the spice of life, besides, do you really want to go home with 12 dozen

oatmeal raisin cookies? Tell your guest that should they feel they‟ve come across a different, unique or gourmet

recipe from the forbidden list to present it to you and then you decide what is best for your party. They truly

may have come across a wonderfully exotic chocolate chip cookie recipe, but you still don‟t want to have 4

different chocolate chip cookie creations.

4. There are several reasons for this. First, the basic guidelines call for inviting no more than 11 people to your

home. Including the hostess that brings the grand total to 12 people. While you may want to invite a few extra

warm bodies just in case someone is a no show, please bear in mind that your guests need to know exactly how

many dozens they need to prepare. Also when your guests RSVP, you can avoid duplicate recipes.

5. Testing recipes helps. The instructions may sound simple, but could be much more complicated or have too manysteps that you don‟t want to have to repeat 12 dozen times. The recipe could say that it yields 4 dozen cookies, but

when your guest prepares it, the recipe only yielded 1 1/2 dozen. The recipe could sound totally yummy, yetwhen baked the end result is something you wouldn‟t feed your dog.

6. As hostess, you will gather up the recipes and present a copy of each to all participants.

7. This is easy math. If there are 4 people attending the party, everyone brings 5 dozen cookies. One dozen cookies

for each of the participants and one dozen for sampling during the party. The extra dozen also can be used for someof the contests given below.

8. Use a nice container you don‟t mind giving away with the cookies. The containers don‟t have to match, but do keep

in mind that those tropical fish plates you purchased on sale at the end of the summer won‟t be a good choice.Bring a laundry or wicker basket to hold all your goodies for the ride home.

9. Mom gets hurt. A child gets sick. Dad is working late and the baby sitter is a no show. We all understand that life

happens. Have your guest get her cookies to your home and you‟ll make sure they are passed out to all theparticipants. You will also gather up all your missing guest‟s goodies. If a guest has a last minute catastrophe and

needs to replace her homemade cookies with some nice, delicious bakery cookies, that‟s okay.Just remember that burnt cookies are no reason for your guest to show up with a box of Little

Debbie‟s.

10. This is a party. Tell your guest it is okay to be festive or even a little crazy. After all, where else

will they get to wear the light up reindeer antler headband or the hosiery with the candy canepattern?




Use this template or make up your own. Find fun holiday fonts online for that holiday look! Copy and print the party information on decorative paper for a festive touch.

You Are Invited To My Third Annual

Christmas Cookie Exchange

When: Friday December 8, 2006, 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM Where: Leanne‟s home

1225 Holly Lane, Your town, US 00000

Theme: “My Favorite Things” Attire: Wear your favorite Christmas finery.

The Details: The theme of this party is “My Favorite Things”.

Please share one of your family‟s favorite Christmas cookies and recipe with us. Bake up and bring along 12 dozen of them. At the end of the night, you will return home with 12 varieties of cookies!

Yummy!

Along with exchanging goodies, we will have 3 contests the night of the party. 1) Best Dressed Guest2) Best Tasting Cookie

3) Best War Story regarding cookies

Enclosed you‟ll find a copy of the rules and a recipe card. Please read the rules carefully. RSVP by Friday, November 3, 2006. Please return your recipe cards no later than November 15, 2006.

(When you RSVP, please let me know what type of cookie you will be bringing to the party. We want to make sure there

is a nice variety of cookies, so RSVP quickly, as it‟s first come, first served.

You will then follow up with your recipe on the card.)

To RSVP, call me at 704-555-1234 Merry Christmas, Leanne




A little planning makes for a great night!

• Make sure you have copies of the recipes available at the party for all the guests.

• Many people have food allergies and we wouldn‟t want to ruin anyone‟s holiday with a wayward cookie.

• You can‟t eat all the cookies yourself. What are you going to do now? Share the wealth. Using the take homecontainers provide by the guests, share your goodies with your co-workers, children‟s teachers, neighbors,friends or family. Pack up a goodie bag for your husband to take to work to for the office party, or go carolingat a nursing home and leave some cookies for the workers to pass out to the residents.

• Even though guests are supposed to bring a carry home container, have some re-sealable plastic baggies andstock of paper or plastic bags from your grocery store. Should a guest forget their container at least you‟ll beable to help them consolidate their goodies and get their treasures home.

• If you are playing a game or contest, have the slips ready and available along with a box or jar for yourguests to slip in their votes.

• Cookie exchanges don‟t have to be a ladies only event during the evening. You can arrange a scaled backversion of the party during your lunch hour at work, or have a brunch style party during the daytime. Youcan get your kids involved and have one for “mommy and me”; or, let your teenage daughter host one forher 4 closest girlfriends.

• Instead of asking your guests to bring food to the party to share, ask each guest to bring a nonperishablefood item for the local rescue mission or abused women‟s shelter.

• Instead of using recipe cards, have each person email their recipes to you. Then compile all the recipes into aword document and print off the pages on festive paper. Handing out a couple of sheets of paper maybe easier to keep track of than dozens of smaller recipe cards. If you plan on doing this event annually,suggest placing the recipe pages in a binder and start a Christmas Cookie Exchange Cookbook.

• Have your guest only unload one dozen of their cookies onto your serving table. Ask them to keep theremainder of the cookies stored in their take home basket until it is time to exchange cookies. You can haveeveryone empty their take home basket and then deposit one container of goodies into each of the emptybaskets provided by all the guests. This can cause a wee bit of confusion and congestion in the exchangingprocess. To avoid this situation you and your co-host (or ask another guest to help) can fill each take homebasket with a container of cookies from each guest.

• Host a Cookie Exchange Open House. Have the guests drop off their cookies the day before the Open Housein a large airtight container. You divide up the cookies yourself into the provided air tight containers. Guestwill drop by your home and then leave with their container(s) full of Christmas treasures.

• Instead of limiting your group to just 12 people you can expand it to include many more. Do this by havingyour group only bring 4 or 6 dozen cookies. No matter how many people show up, everyone will leavewith the exact same number of cookies they brought to the party. Have each guest bring their cookies in alarge air tight container. You will then divide the cookies among the guests. Six guests would each get onedozen cookies. If you have 12 guests, each guest would get one half dozen of each type of cookie. Twentyfour guests would each get 3 cookies from each participant.

• While preparing for the party, bake an extra 12 dozen of a different type of cookie just incase one of your guests has an unfortunate cookie accident.

• Host a different Holiday party and use a scaled down version of the cookie exchange toprovide food for the event. Have each guest bring only 1-2 dozen cookies each. Save back1-2 cookies per guest and place these in a decorative goodie bag you have provided for eachguest to take home. Place the remaining cookies out for guests to eat while at the party.




Tips to ensure a successful baking experience

• Read your recipe before you start baking. It seems obvious, but not all recipes are created equal. You wantto make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment needed before starting your baking.

• Some forms of cooking are more forgiving than others. Baking isn‟t one of those forgiving cooking venues.You really can‟t hide an overcooked cookie. Try not to multi-task while doing your Christmas exchangecookies.

• Not sure about how long your spices have been in your pantry? Purchase fresh ones. The same goes forbaking soda and baking powder. Their quality and freshness will affect your recipe‟s outcome.

• Have more than one cookie sheet or baking tray when making multiple dozens of cookies.

• Cut out cookies on parchment paper. When moving cookies from counter top to baking sheet, simply liftparchment paper onto baking sheet. Once cookies are baked, gently slip parchment paper onto counter topor cooling rack and your baking sheet is ready to use again. No clean up needed.

• Realize that your oven temperature may not be accurate. Your oven may actually be hotter or cooler than thedegree to which you set your dial. Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. You may have to pull them outsooner than the time allotted for in the recipe or you may need to keep them baking a wee bit longer.

• Always place your unbaked cookies on a cool cookie sheet. Placing them on a hot cookie sheet will spreadout the dough, causing a thinner and more brittle cookie.

• A cookie scoop is a time saver when doing large batches of cookies. You‟ll also have cookies that areconsistently the same size.

• Set up an assembly line if possible. If you know you‟ll need to make the recipe 2 or 3 times, set up stations todo all your dry ingredients, all your creaming of butter and sugar, and a station for all the wet ingredients, etc.Then, once you have the items measured, it will take less time to mix them together.

• Use the right equipment. Using a liquid measuring cup for dry ingredients and a dry measuring cup for wetingredients is just asking for your cookies to turn out all wrong. It will make a difference.

• Butter should be at room temperature.

• Pack brown sugar into measuring cup whenever it is called for in a recipe.

• Use real ingredients; real butter, real chocolate, real vanilla extract instead „flavored‟ ingredients.

• Avoid dark, non stick type cookie sheets as these tend to overheat and can burn your cookies. Use shiny,heavy gauge metal, glass or stoneware instead.

• Insulated cookie sheets don‟t work well with cookies with a high fat content. The cookiestend to be under cooked and anemic looking. Baking cookies longer on a insulated cookiesheet to get them golden brown will only dry out and overcook the cookie.

• If it is humid outside, chill your cookies for about 15- 20 minutes so that they won‟t spreadout as much when baking.




Some fun ideas and challenges to get the party going!

Have guests vote on what or who they think is the best of the best in these categories.

• Best Dressed Guest

• Best Dressed Dozens (Prettiest container with cookies)

• Best Carry Home Container

• Best Theme Cookie

• Best War Story (This is to decide who had the hardest time creating their cookies. Was it the womanwho made her cookies while in crutches recovering from a broken foot or the mom who had thehumidity of a rainy day ruin her goodies.)

• Last Cookie Made (There is one in every group and maybe even more than one at your party. She‟s thewoman who meant to get her cookies finished last weekend, but pulled out the last batch this morningor maybe it was 10 minutes before she left the for party.)

• Prettiest Cookie

• Best Tasting Cookie

Games

• Make up a Holiday Scrambled Word game on your computer.

• Christmas Idol. Have guest sing Christmas carols with or with music.

• Play Dirty Santa (also known as the White Elephant Game)

• Play Holiday Movie Trivia (see below).

Holiday Movie Trivia

Copy the Holiday Movie Trivia on the next page. Hand out one to every guest as they arrive. Whoever gets the most questions right wins!

ANSWERS:

1) b 2) C 3) d 4) a 5) d 6) c 7) a 8) b 9) c 10) a 11) c 12) d

Bonus Question: Bert and Ernie from It‟s a Wonderful Life.




1. In the 1988 film "Scrooge," the character played by Bill Murray is a cold-hearted:a) Banker b) TV executive c) Lawyer d) Politician

2. What's the name of George Bailey's guardian angel in "It's a Wonderful Life?"a) Bert b) Harry c) Clarence d) Frank

3. In "It's a Wonderful Life," George Bailey, as a boy, suffers an injury to his:a) Foot b) Arm c) Eye d) Ear

4. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is written by:a) Tim Burton b) Martin Scorsese c) Jimmy Stewart d) Danny DeVito

5. "White Christmas" is set ina) Pennsylvania b) Maine c) New Hampshire d) Vermont

6. Who plays Bing Crosby's Army buddy in "White Christmas?"a) Jimmy Stewart b) Cary Grant c) Danny Kaye d) Bob Hope

7. The little girl who's skeptical about Santa Claus in "Miracle on 34th Street" is played by:a) Natalie Wood b) Audrey Hepburn c) Shirley Temple d) Sharon Stone

8. Miracle on 34th Street revolves around which department store?a) Bloomingdales b) Macys c) Harrods d) Neiman Marcus

9. In "Home Alone”, a young boy is abandoned when his parents rush to a holiday vacation in:a) Las Vegas b) London c) Paris d) New York

10. Who tells the Christmas Story in a Charlie Brown Christmas?a) Linus b) Charlie Brown c) Lucy d) Schroeder

11. What song does the Charlie Brown gang sing around the Christmas Tree?a) O Christmas Tree b) Hark The Herald Angels Singc) Silent Night d) Santa Claus is Coming to Town

12. What happens to the character played by Tim Allen in "The Santa Clause?"a) He gains weight b) Grows a beard c) He gets fired d) All of the above

13. What phrase does Sam Wainwright say all the time in “It‟s a Wonderful Life”?a) Hee Haw b) Golly Gee c) Jeepers d) Jiminy Cricket

Bonus Question:

Two of the Muppets from Sesame Street were named after two characters from what Christmas Classic Film?

1. 2.




CONDIMENTS Molasses (2 tablespoons) [C1] Red and Green Candied Cherries (1 jar) [C1] (may be by

ice cream toppings) 1 (12.5 oz.) jar caramel ice cream topping [C12] Molasses (1 cup) [C3] Vinegar (2 tablespoons) [C3] Raspberry jam (1/3 cup) [C8]

PRODUCE Fresh cranberries (1/3 cup) (if not using dried) [C7] Oranges (2 teaspoons grated peel plus 2 tablespoons juice

plus 2 tablespoons optional juice) [C9,C10]

SPICES Cardamom (1/2 teaspoon) [C9] Cinnamon (6 teaspoons) [C1,C3,C4,C9] Ginger (3 1/2 teaspoons) [C1,C3] Ground Cloves (1 1/2 teaspoons) [C1,C3] Cream of Tartar (2 teaspoons) [C4] Nutmeg (2 teaspoons plus extra for garnish) [C5,C6] Vanilla Extract (7 1/2 teaspoons) [C5,C6,C7,C8,C12] Almond Extract (1 2/3 tablespoons) [C10,C11] Rum Extract (3 teaspoons) [C6]

DAIRY/DAIRY CASE Butter (11 1/3 cups OR 23 cubes) [C1,C2,C3,C4,C5,

C6,C7,C8,C9,C10,C11,C12] Eggs (18) [C1,C3,C4,C5,C6,C7,C8,C9,C10,C11,C12]

Eggnog (1/3 cup) [C5] Milk (2 1/2 tablespoons) [C6] Cream cheese (6 ounces) [C7,C9]

DRY GOODS Flour (34 3/4 cups OR 9.5 pounds) [C1,C2,C3,C4,

C5,C6,C7,C8,C9,C10,C11,C12] Sugar (about 12 cups OR 5 pounds) [C1,C3,C4,C5,

C6,C7,C8,C9,C10,C11,C12] Brown Sugar (1/2 cup) [C11] Powdered Sugar (3 1/4 cups) [C2,C6] Baking Soda (4 1/2 teaspoons) [C1,C3,C4] Baking Powder (6 1/2 teaspoons) [C5,C8,C10,C11]

Slivered almonds (to garnish) [C1] Pecans, chopped (2 2/3 cups) [C7,C11,C12] Hazelnuts (1/4 cup finely chopped) [C9] Almonds (1/2 cup finely chopped) [C9] Salt (3 teaspoons) [C3,C4,C7,C8,C9] Dried cranberries (1/3 cup) (if not using fresh) [C7]

Chocolate chips, semi sweet (2 cups OR 11.5-12 ounces) [C9,C11] Miniature chocolate chips, semi sweet (2 cups OR 12 oz.)

[C12] White chocolate (6 ounces, chopped) [C11] Dark chocolate confectionary coating (6 ounces) [C12] Coconut, flaked (3 cups) [C10] Cocoa powder, unsweetened (1 cup) [C11,C12] Red food coloring [C2] Green food coloring [C2] Liquid food coloring, your choice of colors [C5] 1 (9-oz.) package Hershey‟s Kisses ® [C10]

OTHER

Coffee Liqueur (2 tablespoons) [C11] 2-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter [C1] Gingerbread Man

shaped cookie cutter [C3] Plastic wrap [C5,C9]Parchment paper [C11] Assorted Christmas cookie cutters [C5] New small paint

brushes [C5] 2 mini muffin pans [C7]

Double boiler (to melt chocolate) [C9] Icing bag with writing tip OR small resealable zip-top plastic

bag [C9] Wooden spoon [C12]




12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 1 — Makes 9 dozen

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup butter 1 1/3 cups sugar

1 egg 2 tablespoons molasses 1 tablespoon water 3 1/4 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves Red and green candied cherries Slivered almonds 2-inch round cookie or biscuit cutter

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease baking sheet. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add egg, molasses and water; continue to mix until well blended. In a separate bowl stir together dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cinnamon and ginger). Add dry ingredients to moist ingredients and stir until all is incorporated. Roll dough out to 1/8 inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut dough with cookie cutter. Decorate with cherries and almond slices to form flower design. Bake for 8 minutes.



INGREDIENTS: 1 1/4 cups butter 3/4 cup powdered sugar

2 1/2 cups flour 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract Red and green food coloring

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add flour and continue to stir until blended. Stir in peppermint extract. Divide dough in half and place in separate bowls. Tint one bowl of dough with red food coloring and the other with green food coloring. Roll dough into balls using 1/2 teaspoon dough per ball. For each wreath cookie, join 6 balls of dough in a circular shape, on cookie sheet, alternating colors. Press balls together securely. Bake for 8 minutes. Allow to cool on baking sheet for about 8 to 10 minutes before removing.




http://savingdinner.com/menu_mailer/free_dinner_menu.html




INGREDIENTS: 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1 cup molasses 2 tablespoons vinegar 5 cups flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 teaspoons ginger 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves Gingerbread Man shaped cookie cutter

DIRECTIONS: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Beat in egg, molasses and vinegar until well blended. In a separate bowl, stir together dry ingredients (flour, soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon and cloves). Add dry ingredients to moist ingredients and stir until all is incorporated. Chill dough in bowl for 3 hours. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease baking sheet. Roll dough out to 1/8 inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut dough with cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes.



INGREDIENTS: 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided 2 eggs 2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 3/4 cups flour 2 teaspoons cream of tartar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 400 degrees.Lightly grease baking sheet. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, 1 ½ cups sugar and eggs together until fluffy.In a small bowl mix together 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon and set aside.In a separate bowl, stir together dry ingredients (flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt). Add this to the moist ingredients and stir until all is incorporated.Form dough into 1 inch balls and roll in sugar/cinnamon mixture.Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.








INGREDIENTS: Cookie dough: 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1/3 cup eggnog 1 teaspoon vanilla 4 cups flour 1 teaspoon nutmeg 2 teaspoons baking powder

Egg Yolk Paint 1/2 teaspoon water 2 egg yolks Liquid food coloring, in your choice of colors

Plastic wrap Assorted Christmas cookie cutters New small paintbrushes

DIRECTIONS: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Stir in eggs, eggnog and vanilla.In a separate bowl, stir together dry ingredients (flour, nutmeg and baking powder). Add dry ingredients to moist ingredients and stir until all is incorporated. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. While dough is chilling, prepare egg yolk paint. In a small bowl, combine egg yolks and water.

Divide mixture into small cups using as many different cups as you desire colors. Tint each cup with food coloring until egg yolk mixture reaches desired color. If paint begins to thicken add a few drops of water to thin out. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Divide dough in half and return one half of dough back to refrigerator.

Roll dough out to 1/8-inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut dough with cookie cutters. Place cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Using paintbrushes, paint cookies as desired.Bake for 7 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned.



INGREDIENTS: Cookie dough 1 cup butter 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg, beaten 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons rum extract

3 cups flour 1 teaspoon nutmeg

Frosting 3 tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon rum extract 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar 2 1/2 tablespoons milk

Nutmeg (optional)

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Stir in egg, vanilla and rum extracts. Stir until well blended.In a separate bowl, stir together dry ingredients (flour and nutmeg). Add dry ingredients to moist ingredients and stir until all is incorporated.Shape pieces of dough on lightly floured surface into long rolls approximately 1/2 inch in diameter.

Cut logs into 2- to 3-inch lengths. (Like long Tootsie Rolls®.) Place mini logs onto baking sheet.Bake for 10 minutes. While cookies are baking, prepare frosting. Cream together butter, vanilla and rum extracts. Alternately add 1 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon milk until all is incorporated and well blended.Continue to mix until frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Cool cookies and frost top and sides. Score frosting with fork tines to resemble tree bark and sprinkle with nutmeg as desired.









INGREDIENTS: Crust: 3 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup flour

Other: 2 mini muffin pans

Filling:

1 egg 3/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon butter, softened

Pinch of salt 1 teaspoon vanilla

1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cranberries (or use dried) 2/3 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS: In a large mixing bowl, blend together cream cheese and butter. Stir in flour and continue to blend until well incorporated. Cover bowl and chill for 1 hour. While dough is chilling prepare filling. In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar, butter and salt until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Stir until well blended. Set aside.

Mix together cranberries and pecans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lightly grease muffin pans. Remove chilled dough from refrigerator and shape into 2 dozen 1 inch balls. Place dough balls into muffin pans and press dough against bottoms and onto sides of pan.

Using one half of cranberry mixture, spoon equal amounts into dough lined muffin pan. Top cranberries with egg mixture. Finally top with remaining cranberry mixture. Bake for 30 minutes or until filling is set.



INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup raspberry jam

DIRECTIONS:

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Stir in eggs and vanilla extract. Stir until well

blended.

In a separate bowl, stir together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder and salt). Add dry ingredients to moist ingredients and stir until all is incorporated. Cover bowl and chill for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Roll one third of dough out into a 10- inch square on lightly floured surface. Cut dough into 2 ½-inch squares. Next cut each square diagonally from each corner to almost the center of cookie. (Each square will now look like 4 triangles attached at their center points.) Carefully take the bottom left corner of one triangle and fold it into the center. Continue in a clockwise motion, folding in the left corner of each triangle to the center, forming a pinwheel.

In the center of your “pinwheel”, place 1/2 teaspoon of jam. Place pinwheels on cookie sheet and bake for 6 minutes or until lightly browned. Repeat process for the remaining two- thirds of dough.







12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 9 — Makes 8 ½ dozen

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup butter, softened 1 1/4 cups sugar 1 egg 2 teaspoons grated orange peel 4 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cardamom

1/4 cup finely chopped hazelnuts 2 tablespoons orange juice(optional) 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds Plastic wrap

Double boiler

Icing bag with writing tip or small resealable plastic bag

DIRECTIONS: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Stir in egg and orange peel. Stir until well blended. In a separate bowl, stir together dry ingredients (flour, salt, cinnamon and cardamom). Gradually add dry ingredients and hazelnuts to moist ingredients and stirring until dry ingredients are just incorporated. If dough is too dry add orange juice.

Divide dough in half and roll into log about 1 foot long. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and chill for 4 hours or until log is firm.


Lightly grease baking sheet. Cut one log into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place cookies 1=inch apart on baking sheet. Bake for 6 minutes or until lightly browned.

Repeat for second log. Melt chocolate in double boiler and place into icing bag with writing tip or plastic sandwich bag. If using plastic bag, snip off one small corner of bag. Drizzle melted chocolate over cookies in crisscross pattern. Immediately sprinkle with almonds before chocolate dries. Let stand to allow chocolate to set.



12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 10 — Makes 4 1/2 dozen

INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup butter, softened 3 ounces cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg yolk 2 teaspoons almond extract 2 teaspoons orange juice

1 1/4 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 3 cups flaked coconut 1 (9-oz.) package Hershey‟s kisses,

unwrapped

DIRECTIONS: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, cream cheese and sugar together until fluffy. Stir in egg yolk, almond extract and orange juice. Stir until well blended.In a separate bowl, stir together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder and salt). Add dry ingredients to moist ingredients and stir until all is incorporated. Stir in coconut.

Cover bowl and chill for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Shape dough into one inch balls. Roll balls in remaining coconut and place about 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and immediately insert one unwrapped kiss into each macaroon. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from baking sheet.








INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 3 eggs, beaten 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons coffee liqueur

2 1/2 cups flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 6 ounces white chocolate, chopped 6 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips 1 cup pecans, chopped Parchment paper

DIRECTIONS: Whisk together melted butter and cocoa powder. Set aside.In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar and brown sugar together until fluffy. Add butter/cocoa mixture and beat until smooth. Add vanilla and coffee liqueur and continue mixing until all is incorporated.In a separate bowl, stir together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder and salt). Add dry ingredients to moist ingredients and stir until all is incorporated.

Add white chocolate, chocolate chips and pecans. Form dough into large ball in bowl. Cover bowl and chill for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide dough ball into fourths.

Shape each fourth into a log approximately 8-inches long and 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Place each log onto baking sheet. Bake logs for 25 to 30 minutes. Logs tops may crack, but should still feel soft to the touch. Transfer logs to cutting board. Let sit 15 minutes before cutting into 1-inch slices.



INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups butter 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups flour 1/2 cup cocoa

1 (12-oz.) package miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted 1 (12.5-oz.) jar caramel ice cream topping 6 ounces dark chocolate confectionary

coating, melted Wooden spoon

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until fluffy. Stir in egg and vanilla. Stir until well blended.

In a separate bowl, stir together dry ingredients (flour and cocoa). Add dry ingredients to moist ingredients and stir until all is incorporated.Stir in chocolate chips and pecans.

Roll into one inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Using the end of wooden spoon make an indentation into the center of each ball approximately 1/2 inch deep. Smooth out any cracks that may form while making indentations.Fill indentations with caramel sauce.

Bake for 15 minutes or until caramel is bubbling and cookies are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before removing. Drizzle with confectionary coating while still warm.







Got Questions?

Need Help? Send a message to Customer Service at [email protected]

Visit our website at


for all of the details

and any assistance you need.



http://www.savingdinner.com/


A fun way to enjoy a delicious variety of holiday cookies without all of the hard work!

There are almost as many variations of Cookie Exchanges as there are Christmas cookies. Here is our version. Included, you’ll find a timeline, rules, a sample invitation, party tips, baking hints, games and contests, recipe card link, and, of course, Christmas cookie recipes.

Let’s get down to some quick basics.



1. This is a themed cookie exchange. If you are using a cookie cutter, avoid those that are not in keeping

with the theme, such as acorns, leaves, bunnies or ghosts.

2. All cookies must be homemade. No store bought, slice and bake cookies, or any of the other quick bakecookies allowed. This includes remove from container and bake, just add water and bake or any otherprepackaged cookies.





7. Bring one dozen cookies for each participant plus 1 dozen to be sampled and shared at the party.

(Variation: Have each guest bring 1/2 dozen cookies per guest instead of 1 dozen per guest.)

8. Arrange cookies in an attractive manner in keeping with the theme. Bring a carry home container large

enough to hold all the cookies and containers you will be bringing home.


10. Don your favorite Christmas sweater and come prepared to have fun.






… Set deadline for returning recipe cards. Include this information on invitation. … If co-hosting party, divide up the responsibilities at this point.

… Decide if you will be providing all the food and beverages for the party or if you will be asking guests to bring food and drink items.

… Send out invitations along with RSVP deadline set for 3-4 weeks before party. … Decide on games and contests if any are to be played.




… As guests begin to RSVP make sure you do not have any duplicate recipes. … Finish up items not checked off last week.

… Call guests who have not yet RSVP‟d. If you have a guest that cannot attend, you still have time to fill that slot with another person if desired.

… Plan party layout in your home. If you‟ll need extra tables or chairs, begin the search for them now by contacting family, friends, place of worship or a rental center.

… Make a list of all of the party essentials you will need such as punch bowl, table cloth, serving pieces, platters or trays. If you do not have all of the essentials, begin to purchase what you will need or borrow from family and friends.



… Finish up items not checked off during last week.

… If possible, begin food preparations for party that can be frozen and thawed or reheated the day

of the party.

… If you haven‟t already decorated your house for the Christmas season, begin your decorating

now.

… Make arrangements for hubby and children to be out of the house during the party or at least

sequestered in another section of your home.

… Bake your cookies and freeze them or store them in an air tight container.

… Clean house or at least the areas that will have guests.

… Any items that you will be borrowing or renting, gather up now.

… Finish purchasing any needed paper goods, decorations, cookie making supplies/ingredients,





… Have a timeline prepared for actual party so that you can make sure you include time for

socializing, eating, sharing stories about the cookies, contests, games and exchanging cookies

and passing out recipe cards.


… Purchase ice.

… Finish food and drinks for party.

… Chill any beverages as needed.

… Arrange furniture for party.

… Set up tables and chairs. Arrange food table and cookie table.

… Set out decorations, table linens, serving pieces, flatware, plates, cups, etc.

… Defrost or thaw your cookies. Place them on/in your container.

… Set up any last minute decorations.

… Reheat food if needed. Arrange on serving trays. Enlist help of husband or older children in this

job.

… Make coffee, punch, tea, eggnog, hot cocoa or cider. Enlist help of husband or older children in

this job.

… Put on some soothing music and take a nice long bubble bath.

… Get dressed in your Christmas finery.

… Set out ice.

… Light candles.

… Turn on party music.

… Say good bye to family.

… Go over timeline for party.

… Welcome guests and have FUN!!




Setting the groundwork!

On page 2, in the sidebar, we have listed some basic rules of a cookie exchange. These are a guideline to get you started. Along with your invitation, you should include a copy of your exchange‟s rule, so that everyone knows what to expect and can follow thru to ensure a successful exchange. Not sure why you need one of the rules, or how you may want to change it? Below is a brief explanation of what we were thinking.


2. This rule keeps the playing field level. Even those moms who eschew Martha Stewart and say they can‟t cook theirway out of a paper sack, can still whip up some amazing cookies. Those ladies that do go the extra mile could feel

slighted or hurt knowing all the time and effort they have put into their creations only to bring home a paper plate of

Oreos or slice and bake sugar cookies with Rudolph‟s likeness.

3. Yes, we all love chocolate. But variety is the spice of life, besides, do you really want to go home with 12 dozen

oatmeal raisin cookies? Tell your guest that should they feel they‟ve come across a different, unique or gourmet

recipe from the forbidden list to present it to you and then you decide what is best for your party. They truly

may have come across a wonderfully exotic chocolate chip cookie recipe, but you still don‟t want to have 4

different chocolate chip cookie creations.

4. There are several reasons for this. First, the basic guidelines call for inviting no more than 11 people to your

home. Including the hostess that brings the grand total to 12 people. While you may want to invite a few extra

warm bodies just in case someone is a no show, please bear in mind that your guests need to know exactly how

many dozens they need to prepare. Also when your guests RSVP, you can avoid duplicate recipes.

5. Testing recipes helps. The instructions may sound simple, but could be much more complicated or have too manysteps that you don‟t want to have to repeat 12 dozen times. The recipe could say that it yields 4 dozen cookies, but

when your guest prepares it, the recipe only yielded 1 1/2 dozen. The recipe could sound totally yummy, yetwhen baked the end result is something you wouldn‟t feed your dog.


7. This is easy math. If there are 4 people attending the party, everyone brings 5 dozen cookies. One dozen cookies

for each of the participants and one dozen for sampling during the party. The extra dozen also can be used for someof the contests given below.

8. Use a nice container you don‟t mind giving away with the cookies. The containers don‟t have to match, but do keep

in mind that those tropical fish plates you purchased on sale at the end of the summer won‟t be a good choice.Bring a laundry or wicker basket to hold all your goodies for the ride home.

9. Mom gets hurt. A child gets sick. Dad is working late and the baby sitter is a no show. We all understand that life

happens. Have your guest get her cookies to your home and you‟ll make sure they are passed out to all theparticipants. You will also gather up all your missing guest‟s goodies. If a guest has a last minute catastrophe and

needs to replace her homemade cookies with some nice, delicious bakery cookies, that‟s okay.Just remember that burnt cookies are no reason for your guest to show up with a box of Little

Debbie‟s.

10. This is a party. Tell your guest it is okay to be festive or even a little crazy. After all, where else

will they get to wear the light up reindeer antler headband or the hosiery with the candy canepattern?




Use this template or make up your own. Find fun holiday fonts online for that holiday look! Copy and print the party information on decorative paper for a festive touch.

You Are Invited To My Third Annual

Christmas Cookie Exchange

When: Friday December 8, 2006, 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM Where: Leanne‟s home

1225 Holly Lane, Your town, US 00000

Theme: “My Favorite Things” Attire: Wear your favorite Christmas finery.


Please share one of your family‟s favorite Christmas cookies and recipe with us. Bake up and bring along 12 dozen of them. At the end of the night, you will return home with 12 varieties of cookies!

Yummy!



Enclosed you‟ll find a copy of the rules and a recipe card. Please read the rules carefully. RSVP by Friday, November 3, 2006. Please return your recipe cards no later than November 15, 2006.

(When you RSVP, please let me know what type of cookie you will be bringing to the party. We want to make sure there

is a nice variety of cookies, so RSVP quickly, as it‟s first come, first served.






A little planning makes for a great night!


• Many people have food allergies and we wouldn‟t want to ruin anyone‟s holiday with a wayward cookie.

• You can‟t eat all the cookies yourself. What are you going to do now? Share the wealth. Using the take homecontainers provide by the guests, share your goodies with your co-workers, children‟s teachers, neighbors,friends or family. Pack up a goodie bag for your husband to take to work to for the office party, or go carolingat a nursing home and leave some cookies for the workers to pass out to the residents.

• Even though guests are supposed to bring a carry home container, have some re-sealable plastic baggies andstock of paper or plastic bags from your grocery store. Should a guest forget their container at least you‟ll beable to help them consolidate their goodies and get their treasures home.


• Cookie exchanges don‟t have to be a ladies only event during the evening. You can arrange a scaled backversion of the party during your lunch hour at work, or have a brunch style party during the daytime. Youcan get your kids involved and have one for “mommy and me”; or, let your teenage daughter host one forher 4 closest girlfriends.

• Instead of asking your guests to bring food to the party to share, ask each guest to bring a nonperishablefood item for the local rescue mission or abused women‟s shelter.










Tips to ensure a successful baking experience


• Some forms of cooking are more forgiving than others. Baking isn‟t one of those forgiving cooking venues.You really can‟t hide an overcooked cookie. Try not to multi-task while doing your Christmas exchangecookies.

• Not sure about how long your spices have been in your pantry? Purchase fresh ones. The same goes forbaking soda and baking powder. Their quality and freshness will affect your recipe‟s outcome.





• A cookie scoop is a time saver when doing large batches of cookies. You‟ll also have cookies that areconsistently the same size.

• Set up an assembly line if possible. If you know you‟ll need to make the recipe 2 or 3 times, set up stations todo all your dry ingredients, all your creaming of butter and sugar, and a station for all the wet ingredients, etc.Then, once you have the items measured, it will take less time to mix them together.




• Use real ingredients; real butter, real chocolate, real vanilla extract instead „flavored‟ ingredients.


• Insulated cookie sheets don‟t work well with cookies with a high fat content. The cookiestend to be under cooked and anemic looking. Baking cookies longer on a insulated cookiesheet to get them golden brown will only dry out and overcook the cookie.

• If it is humid outside, chill your cookies for about 15- 20 minutes so that they won‟t spreadout as much when baking.




Some fun ideas and challenges to get the party going!







• Last Cookie Made (There is one in every group and maybe even more than one at your party. She‟s thewoman who meant to get her cookies finished last weekend, but pulled out the last batch this morningor maybe it was 10 minutes before she left the for party.)



Games

• Make up a Holiday Scrambled Word game on your computer.






ANSWERS:

1) b 2) C 3) d 4) a 5) d 6) c 7) a 8) b 9) c 10) a 11) c 12) d

Bonus Question: Bert and Ernie from It‟s a Wonderful Life.
















13. What phrase does Sam Wainwright say all the time in “It‟s a Wonderful Life”?a) Hee Haw b) Golly Gee c) Jeepers d) Jiminy Cricket

Bonus Question:


1. 2.




PRODUCE Lemons (1 tablespoon juice plus 1 teaspoon zest) [C6]

CONDIMENTS Dark corn syrup [C6] Apricot preserves (1 1/4 cup) [C1,C5] Peanut butter (1/2 cup) [C7] Chocolate syrup (1 1/2 cups) [C4]

CANNED GOODS 2 (10-oz.) jars maraschino cherries [C2] Sweetened condensed milk (1 cup) [C2]

SPICES Vanilla extract [C1,C2,C3,C7,C8,C9,C11,C12] Ground cinnamon [C6] Ground cloves [C6] Ground nutmeg [C6] Ground cardamom [C6]

DAIRY/DAIRY CASE Eggs (23) [C1,C2,C3,C4,C5,C6,C7,C9,C10,C11,C12] Butter (9 1/4 cups) [C1,C2,C3,C4,C5,C7,C8,C9,C11,C12]

DRY GOODS All-purpose flour (23 3/4 cups)

[C1,C2,C3,C4,C5,C6,C7,C8,C9,C11,C12] White sugar (6 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon)

[C1,C3,C4,C5,C7,C10,C11,C12] Brown sugar (3 3/4 cups) [C6,C7,C8,C11] Powdered sugar (3 1/3 cup) [C1,C4,C9] Baking powder [C1,C3,C12] Baking soda [C2,C6,C7,C11] Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 3/4 cups plus 2

tablespoons) [C2,C3,C11] Semisweet chocolate chips (6 cups) [C2,C3,C4,C5] Milk chocolate chips (3 cups) [C10] White chocolate chips (3 3/4 cups) [C9,C12] Unsweetened chocolate (4 ounces) [C3] Miniature marshmallows (4 cups) [C10] Mixed candied fruit (1/2 cup) [C6] Dried cherries (3/4 cup) [C12] Walnuts (1/2 cup chopped) [C6] Pecans (2 cups chopped) [C8,C11] Graham crackers (18) [C10]

OTHER Red food coloring [C5] Green food coloring [C5] Miniature chocolate covered peanut butter cups [C7] Caramel candies (48) [C11] Mini candy canes (6) [C9] Crème de menthe liqueur [C4] Almond paste [C5]





INGREDIENTS: 1 cup butter 3/4 cup white sugar

3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup apricot preserves 1/3 cup powdered sugar


Cream the butter and sugar in a medium size mixing bowl. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, egg and vanilla extract into the butter/sugar mixture. Cool dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into rounds with a round cookie cutter or glass. Using the tip of a teaspoon, place a small drop of apricot preserves into the middle of the circle. Brush edges with water and fold the dough over so that the cookie is in the shape of a half-moon; seal edges. Arrange on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Dust the cookies with powdered sugar while still hot.



INGREDIENTS: 1 cup butter 1 1/2 white cup sugar 2 eggs 3 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 2 (10-oz.) jars maraschino cherries,

drained, reserving juice 1 cup sweetened condensed milk 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips


Beat the butter and sugar together in a bowl. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda and baking powder; stir until smooth. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls about the size of a walnut and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press center of each ball with thumb. Place a cherry in indentation of each cookie ball. In a saucepan, heat condensed milk and chocolate chips until chips are melted. Stir in 5 teaspoons of the reserved cherry juice. Spread 1 teaspoon of mixture over cookie to cover cherry. Bake for 10 minutes.








INGREDIENTS: 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided 6 tablespoons butter 3 eggs 1 cup white sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS: In the microwave, melt unsweetened chocolate, 1 cup of the chocolate chips and butter stirring occasionally until smooth. Set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, whip eggs and sugar until thick and pale, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and the chocolate mixture until well mixed. Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt; gradually stir into the chocolate mixture. Fold in remaining 1 cup chocolate chips. Cover dough and chill for at least an hour or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll chilled dough into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheets so they are 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.


12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 4 — Makes 18 brownies

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup white sugar 1 cup butter, softened and divided 4 eggs 1 1/2 cups chocolate syrup

1 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups powdered sugar 2 tablespoons crème de menthe liqueur 6 tablespoons butter 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips


Grease a 9- x13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and ½ cup of the softened butter until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the chocolate syrup. Stir in the flour until just blended. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool completely in the pan.

In a small bowl, beat the powdered sugar, remaining 1/2 cup of softened butter and crème de menthe until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled brownies, chill until set. In the microwave, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and the chocolate chips, stirring occasionally until smooth. Allow to cool slightly, spread over the top of the mint layer. Cover, and chill for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.








INGREDIENTS: 8 ounces almond paste 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup white sugar 4 eggs, separated 2 cups all-purpose flour

6 drops red food coloring 6 drops green food coloring 1/4 cup seedless red raspberry jam 1/4 cup apricot preserves 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted


Line three 9- x13-inch inch baking pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, break apart almond paste with a fork and cream together with butter, sugar, and egg yolks. When mixture is fluffy and smooth, stir in flour to form a dough. In a small bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Fold egg whites into the dough. Divide dough into 3 equal portions. Mix one portion with red food coloring, and one with green food coloring. Spread each portion into one of the prepared baking pans. Bake 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned. Carefully remove from pan and parchment paper, cool completely on wire racks.

Place green layer onto a piece of plastic wrap large enough to wrap all three layers. Spread green layer with raspberry jam, and top with uncolored layer. Spread with apricot preserves, and top with pink layer. Transfer layers to a baking sheet, and enclose with plastic wrap. Place a heavy pan or cutting board on top of wrapped layers to compress. Chill in the refrigerator 8 hours, or overnight. Remove plastic wrap. Top with melted chocolate chips, and refrigerate 1 hour, or until chocolate is firm. Slice into small squares to serve.




INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup dark corn syrup 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon zest 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 cup diced mixed candied fruit 1/2 cup chopped walnuts


Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease. In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, corn syrup, egg, lemon juice and lemon zest with an electric mixer. Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom; stir into the sugar mixture. Add candied fruits and chopped nuts; mix well. Drop dough by tablespoons onto prepared cookie sheet, about 4 inches apart. Spread dough into a 3 inch circle. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, cookies should be browned and firm.








INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup peanut butter 1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 36 miniature chocolate covered peanut

butter cups, unwrapped


In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar. Stir in the peanut butter, then the egg and vanilla. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt, stir into the peanut butter mixture until the dough comes together. Shape into 1 inch balls and press them into the cups of an unprepared mini muffin pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a mini chocolate covered peanut butter cup down into the center of each cookie until only the top is showing. Allow the cookies to cool completely before removing from their pans.



INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided 3/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans 4 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour


Cream butter in a bowl, gradually add 3/4 cup of the powdered sugar and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Add pecans and vanilla. Blend in flour gradually and mix well. Shape into balls using about 1 teaspoon for each cookie. Place on ungreased cookie sheets, and bake for 15 to 20 min. Make sure the cookies don‟t brown! Cool slightly, then roll in the remaining powdered sugar.








INGREDIENTS: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup powdered sugar

1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted 6 mini candy canes, crushed


Mix together flour, butter, powdered sugar, egg and vanilla. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on greased cookie sheets. Press your finger in the middle. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Cool

completely. Stir together white chocolate and candy canes. With a teaspoon, fill each cookie. Let mixture cool for an hour or until middles become hard.



INGREDIENTS: 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted (plus additional softened

butter to grease pan) 18 plain graham crackers

1/4 cup white sugar 3 cups milk chocolate chips, melted 4 cups miniature marshmallows

DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line the bottom and sides of a 9- x 13-inch baking pan with foil. You want to leave about 4 inches of overhang on the 2 opposite sides. These are going to serve as your handles to remove the bars from the pan in 1 piece. Grease the foil well with the softened butter. In a food processor, grind the graham crackers into a fine meal. In a large bowl, combine crumbs with the sugar and melted butter. The mixture should look and feel like wet sand. Evenly press the crumb mixture into the bottom the foil-lined pan. Bake until it is golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool on a rack.

Preheat oven broiler. Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread the chocolate evenly over the crust with a butter knife. Sprinkle the marshmallows over the chocolate and press them lightly into the chocolate. Broil the bars 6 inches from the flame until the marshmallows are golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate is hard, 2 hours or so. Grab the ends of the foil liner and lift the bars out of the pan in 1 piece. Move to a cutting board and cut into 24 squares.









INGREDIENTS: 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon white sugar, divided 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 cup chopped pecans 48 caramel square candies, unwrapped

DIRECTIONS: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in 1 cup of white sugar and brown sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, baking soda, and cocoa. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating well. Cover and chill at least 2 hours.


Combine nuts with the remaining 1 tablespoon of white sugar; set aside. Divide the dough into 4 parts. Work with one part at a time, leaving the remainder in the refrigerator until needed. Divide each part into 12 pieces. Quickly press each piece of dough around a caramel candy. Roll into a ball. Dip the tops into the sugar/nut mixture. Place sugar side up, 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake for 8 minutes. Let cool for 3 to 4 minutes on the baking sheets before moving to the wire racks to cool completely.


12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 12 — Makes 2 1/2 dozen

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup white sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 3/4 cup dried cherries 3/4 cup white chocolate chips


In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in cherries and vanilla chips. Divide dough into three portions. On ungreased baking sheets, shape each portion into a 10-inch x 2-inch rectangle. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board; cut diagonally with a serrated knife into 1-inch slices. Place cut side down on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.







Got Questions?

Need Help? Send a message to Customer Service at [email protected]



for all of the details and any assistance you need.




SAVING DINNER with

12 Cookies of Christmas/ Christmas Cookie Exchange

Volume 3





Welcome to your bonus Cookie Exchange Planner A fun way to enjoy a delicious variety of holiday cookies without all of the hard work!











7. Bring one dozen cookies for each participant plus 1 dozen to be sampled and shared at the party.(Variation: Have each guest bring 1/2 dozen cookies per guest instead of 1 dozen per guest.)

8. Arrange cookies in an attractive manner in keeping with the theme. Bring a carry home container largeenough to hold all the cookies and containers you will be bringing home.







Timeline:

5-6 weeksbefore the party





4 weeks before the party




… As guests begin to RSVP make sure you do not have any duplicate recipes. … Finish up items not checked off last week. … Call guests who have not yet RSVP’d. If you have a guest that cannot attend, you still have time

to fill that slot with another person if desired. … Plan party layout in your home. If you’ll need extra tables or chairs, begin the search for them

now by contacting family, friends, place of worship or a rental center. … Make a list of all of the party essentials you will need such as punch bowl, table cloth, serving




3 weeks before party

… Finish up items not checked off during last week. … If possible, begin food preparations for party that can be frozen and thawed or reheated the day

of the party.

2 weeks before the

party

… If you haven’t already decorated your house for the Christmas season, begin your decorating now.

… Make arrangements for hubby and children to be out of the house during the party or at least sequestered in another section of your home.

1 week before the party

… Bake your cookies and freeze them or store them in an air tight container. … Clean house or at least the areas that will have guests. … Any items that you will be borrowing or renting, gather up now. … Finish purchasing any needed paper goods, decorations, cookie making supplies/ingredients,






3 days before party

… Have a timeline prepared for actual party so that you can make sure you include time for socializing, eating, sharing stories about the cookies, contests, games and exchanging cookies and passing out recipe cards.


1 day before the party

… Purchase ice. … Finish food and drinks for party. … Chill any beverages as needed. … Arrange furniture for party. … Set up tables and chairs. Arrange food table and cookie table. … Set out decorations, table linens, serving pieces, flatware, plates, cups, etc.

Morning of Party

… Defrost or thaw your cookies. Place them on/in your container. … Set up any last minute decorations.

60-90 minutesbefore party

… Reheat food if needed. Arrange on serving trays. Enlist help of husband or older children in this job.

… Make coffee, punch, tea, eggnog, hot cocoa or cider. Enlist help of husband or older children in this job.

… Put on some soothing music and take a nice long bubble bath. … Get dressed in your Christmas finery.


… Set out ice. … Light candles. … Turn on party music. … Say good bye to family. … Go over timeline for party. … Welcome guests and have FUN!!





How it all works! The Basic Rules Explained Setting the groundwork!

On page 2 we have listed some basic rules of a cookie exchange. These are a guideline to get you started. Along with your invitation, you should include a copy of your exchange’s rules, so that everyone knows what to expect and can follow through to ensure a successful exchange. Not sure why you need one of the rules, or how you may want to change it? Below is a brief explanation of what we were thinking.


2. This rule keeps the playing field level. Even those moms who eschew Martha Stewart and say they can’t cook theirway out of a paper sack, can still whip up some amazing cookies. Those ladies that do go the extra mile could feelslighted or hurt knowing all the time and effort they have put into their creations only to bring home a paper plate ofOreos or slice and bake sugar cookies with Rudolph’s likeness.

3. Yes, we all love chocolate. But variety is the spice of life, besides, do you really want to go home with 12 dozenoatmeal raisin cookies? Tell your guest that should they feel they’ve come across a different, unique or gourmetrecipe from the forbidden list to present it to you and then you decide what is best for your party. They trulymay have come across a wonderfully exotic chocolate chip cookie recipe, but you still don’t want to have 4different chocolate chip cookie creations.

4. There are several reasons for this. First, the basic guidelines call for inviting no more than 11 people to yourhome. Including the hostess that brings the grand total to 12 people. While you may want to invite a few extrawarm bodies just in case someone is a no show, please bear in mind that your guests need to know exactly howmany dozens they need to prepare. Also when your guests RSVP, you can avoid duplicate recipes.

5. Testing recipes helps. The instructions may sound simple, but could be much more complicated or have too manysteps that you don’t want to have to repeat 12 dozen times. The recipe could say that it yields 4 dozen cookies, butwhen your guest prepares it, the recipe only yielded 1 1/2 dozen. The recipe could sound totally yummy, yetwhen baked the end result is something you wouldn’t feed your dog.


7. This is easy math. If there are 4 people attending the party, everyone brings 5 dozen cookies. One dozen cookiesfor each of the participants and one dozen for sampling during the party. The extra dozen also can be used for someof the contests given below.

8. Use a nice container you don’t mind giving away with the cookies. The containers don’t have to match, but do keepin mind that those tropical fish plates you purchased on sale at the end of the summer won’t be a good choice.Bring a laundry or wicker basket to hold all your goodies for the ride home.

9. Mom gets hurt. A child gets sick. Dad is working late and the baby sitter is a no show. We all understand that lifehappens. Have your guest get her cookies to your home and you’ll make sure they are passed out to all theparticipants. You will also gather up all your missing guest’s goodies. If a guest has a last minute catastrophe andneeds to replace her homemade cookies with some nice, delicious bakery cookies, that’s okay.Just remember that burnt cookies are no reason for your guest to show up with a box of LittleDebbie’s.

10. This is a party. Tell your guest it is okay to be festive or even a little crazy. After all, where elsewill they get to wear the light up reindeer antler headband or the hosiery with the candy canepattern?





Sample Cookie Exchange Invitation Use this template or make up your own. Find fun holiday fonts online for that holiday look!

Copy and print the party information on decorative paper for a festive touch.

You Are Invited To My Third Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange

When: Friday December 8, 2012, 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM Where: Leanne’s home

1225 Holly Lane, Your town, US 00000 Theme: “My Favorite Things”

Attire: Wear your favorite Christmas finery.


Please share one of your family’s favorite Christmas cookies and recipe with us. Bake up and bring along 12 dozen of them. At the end of the night, you will return home with 12 varieties of cookies!

Yummy!



Enclosed you’ll find a copy of the rules and a recipe card. Please read the rules carefully. RSVP by Friday, November 3, 2012. Please return your recipe cards no later than November 15, 2012.

(When you RSVP, please let me know what type of cookie you will be bringing to the party. We want to make sure there is a nice variety of cookies, so RSVP quickly, as it’s first come, first served.







Tips for Successful Party A little planning makes for a great night!


• Many people have food allergies and we wouldn’t want to ruin anyone’s holiday with a wayward cookie.

• You can’t eat all the cookies yourself. What are you going to do now? Share the wealth. Using the take homecontainers provide by the guests, share your goodies with your co-workers, children’s teachers, neighbors,friends or family. Pack up a goodie bag for your husband to take to work to for the office party, or go carolingat a nursing home and leave some cookies for the workers to pass out to the residents.

• Even though guests are supposed to bring a carry home container, have some re-sealable plastic baggies andstock of paper or plastic bags from your grocery store. Should a guest forget their container at least you’ll beable to help them consolidate their goodies and get their treasures home.


• Cookie exchanges don’t have to be a ladies only event during the evening. You can arrange a scaled backversion of the party during your lunch hour at work, or have a brunch style party during the daytime. Youcan get your kids involved and have one for “mommy and me”; or, let your teenage daughter host one forher 4 closest girlfriends.

• Instead of asking your guests to bring food to the party to share, ask each guest to bring a nonperishablefood item for the local rescue mission or abused women’s shelter.











Cookie Baking Hints Tips to ensure a successful baking experience


• Some forms of cooking are more forgiving than others. Baking isn’t one of those forgiving cooking venues.You really can’t hide an overcooked cookie. Try not to multi-task while doing your Christmas exchangecookies.

• Not sure about how long your spices have been in your pantry? Purchase fresh ones. The same goes forbaking soda and baking powder. Their quality and freshness will affect your recipe’s outcome.





• A cookie scoop is a time saver when doing large batches of cookies. You’ll also have cookies that areconsistently the same size.

• Set up an assembly line if possible. If you know you’ll need to make the recipe 2 or 3 times, set up stations todo all your dry ingredients, all your creaming of butter and sugar, and a station for all the wet ingredients, etc.Then, once you have the items measured, it will take less time to mix them together.




• Use real ingredients; real butter, real chocolate, real vanilla extract instead ‘flavored’ ingredients.


• Insulated cookie sheets don’t work well with cookies with a high fat content. The cookiestend to be under cooked and anemic looking. Baking cookies longer on a insulated cookiesheet to get them golden brown will only dry out and overcook the cookie.

• If it is humid outside, chill your cookies for about 15- 20 minutes so that they won’t spreadout as much when baking.





Contest and Game Ideas Some fun ideas and challenges to get the party going!

Have guests vote on what or who they think is the best of the best in these categories. • Best Dressed Guest





• Last Cookie Made (There is one in every group and maybe even more than one at your party. She’s thewoman who meant to get her cookies finished last weekend, but pulled out the last batch this morningor maybe it was 10 minutes before she left the for party.)



Games • Make up a Holiday Scrambled Word game on your computer.






ANSWERS:

1) b 2) C 3) d 4) a 5) d 6) c 7) a 8) b 9) c 10) a 11) c 12) d

Bonus Question: Bert and Ernie from It’s a Wonderful Life.


















13. What phrase does Sam Wainwright say all the time in “It’s a Wonderful Life”?a) Hee Haw b) Golly Gee c) Jeepers d) Jiminy Cricket

Bonus Question:


1. 2.

Film: _________________________





Cookie Shopping List Have your own fun filled baking day and make them all!

CONDIMENTS Molasses (3 cups) [C3,C5] Light corn syrup (1/2 cup) [C12] Creamy peanut butter (12 ounces plus 1/2 cup) [C7,C8] Raspberry jam (for garnish) [C6] Bourbon OR rum (1/3 cup) [C12]

PRODUCE Oranges (1 tablespoon grated zest) [C1] Key limes (1 tablespoon juice plus 1 tablespoon grated

zest) [C2] Cranberries (1/2 cup chopped) [C1]

CANNED GOODS Unsweetened, condensed milk (1/3 cup) [C9]

SPICES Sea salt [C1,C2,C3,C4,C5,C7,C8,C10,C11] Ground cinnamon [C3,C4,C5,C10] Ground allspice [C3,C4] Ground ginger [C3,C5] Ground nutmeg (or grind your own) [C4,C10] Ground cloves [C3,C4,C5] Vanilla extract [C1,C4,C8,C9,C11]

DAIRY/DAIRY CASE Butter, unsalted (6 1/4 cups) [C1,C2,C3,C4,C6,C7,C8,C11] Eggs (12) [C1,C4,C6,C7,C8,C9,C10,C11] Milk (2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons) [C1,C4] Sour cream (1 cup) [C10]

DRY GOODS Flour (23 1/4 cups) [C1,C2,C3,C4,C5,C6,C7,C10,C11] Rice flour (1/3 cup) [C2] Sugar (5 1/2 plus 1/3 cups plus garnish)

[C1,C2,C3,C6,C7,C8,C10,C11] Brown sugar (2 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons) [C1,C4,C5,C7] Light brown sugar (2 1/4 cups) [C8,C11] Powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups) [C2,C4,C12] Baking soda [C3,C5,C7,C8,C10,C11] Baking powder [C1,C7,C10] Quick-cooking oats (4 1/2 cups) (NOT instant oatmeal!)

[C8] Pecans (2 cups chopped) [C6,C12] Walnuts OR pecans (1/2 cup chopped) [C1] Almonds (1 cup sliced) [C11] Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 1/2 cups) [C8,C9,C11] Semi-sweet mini chocolate chips (1 cup) [C12] Grated, unsweetened coconut (1 1/2 cups) [C9] Dried cranberries (1/4 cup) [C8] Vanilla wafers (12 ounces/3 cups crushed) [C12] Colored sugar (optional) [C10]

OTHER Vegetable shortening (3/4 cup) [C5] Butter-flavored shortening (1/2 cup) [C10] Red and green M&Ms (1/2 cup) [C8] Waxed paper [C1,C2,C3,C7,C12] Plastic wrap (optional) [C7] Parchment paper [C3,C8,C11] Small paper OR foil candy cups (optional) [C12]





Cranberry Christmas Pinwheels 12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 1

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 cup finely chopped cranberries 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts, or use

pecans 1 tablespoon grated orange zest 3 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons milk

DIRECTIONS: In a large mixing bowl, combine first 4 ingredients (butter through vanilla); beat until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl occasionally. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder and salt); add to creamed mixture, mixing well; cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. In a small bowl, combine cranberries, walnuts (or pecans) and orange zest; set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 10-inch square. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and milk; spread mixture over the dough then sprinkle with cranberry mixture, leaving about a 1/2-inch edge at both ends of the dough; roll dough up tightly, jelly-roll style then wrap in waxed paper and chill overnight or for several hours. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cut roll into 1/4-inch slices and place on a well-greased cookie sheet. Bake for 14 to 15 minutes or until edges are light brown.

Copyright © 2020 Leanne Ely All Rights Reserved. May be copied for individual personal use only. If you’d like to share, please share our free menus available on the web at www.SavingDinner.com

Key Lime Pie Shortbread Cookies 12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 2

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon key lime juice 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 tablespoon grated key lime zest, divided 1/3 cup rice flour 1 3/4 cups flour 1/4 cup sugar

DIRECTIONS: In a large mixing bowl beat the butter, sugar, lime juice, salt, and one half the lime zest until light and fluffy. Stir in the rice flour, then the regular flour, beating only enough to incorporate. The dough will be very soft. Divide dough in thirds. Spoon each portion onto waxed paper or plastic wrap and form into logs about 14 inches long and 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Fold the paper over the log. Roll with your palms until smooth. Twist ends of the paper and refrigerate or freeze until firm, 1 to 4 hours. Make lime sugar by placing sugar and remaining zest in a blender or coffee mill and process until zest is very finely minced and sugar is lightly colored, about three minutes. Strain mixture through a fine sieve, discarding any bits of peel that remain. Set aside. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Slice chilled dough into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Lightly butter the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass and dip into the lime sugar. Press lightly onto tops of cookies, dipping the glass into the sugar mixture before pressing each cookie to prevent dough from sticking. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until light golden. Cookies will be fragile: allow to cool five minutes on baking sheets before removing with a spatula to cool completely on wire racks.








Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies 12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 3

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup molasses 1 cup unsalted butter 1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking soda 1/4 cup hot water

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 4 cups flour 2 teaspoon sea salt

DIRECTIONS: Heat the molasses to a boil. Remove from heat and add butter, stirring until melted. Place the sugar in a deep bowl. Add the baking soda to the hot water then pour mixture into the molasses. Pour the molasses mixture into the bowl of sugar and blend thoroughly. Add spices, flour and salt; blend well. Pour mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper or waxed paper; cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cut dough as thin as possible and bake on a non-stick cookie sheet for 15 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool.


Lebkuchen Holiday Cookies 12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 4

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly ground is best

1/2 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 1/4 cups flour 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk

DIRECTIONS: Heat oven to 400 degrees. In large mixing bowl combine sugar, butter, egg, salt, spices, and 2 teaspoons of the vanilla. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until mixture is light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add flour. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed, 2 to 3 minutes. If dough is too soft, cover and refrigerate until firm enough to form cookies, 30 to 45 minutes. Place dough in cookie press. Form desired shapes 1 inch apart on cookie sheets. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. For glaze, in small bowl stir together powdered sugar, milk, and remaining vanilla until smooth. Drizzle or pipe over warm cookies.








Moravian Spice Cookies 12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 5

INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup vegetable shortening 1 1/4 cups brown sugar 2 cups molasses 1 tablespoon baking soda

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 4 1/2 cups flour

DIRECTIONS: In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine first 8 ingredients (vegetable shortening through salt). Cook until warmed, mashing out any lumps. Remove from heat and, while still warm, stir in flour. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease cookie sheets. When ready to bake, take what you need out of the refrigerator (unused dough may be refrigerated for as long as 1 month; in fact, cookies are better if dough has "mellowed" for a while). Roll dough paper-thin on a lightly floured surface (using as little flour as possible; also flour your rolling pin) then cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place on prepared cookie sheets and bake for 5 to 6 minutes or until light brown. Using a clean pastry brush, lightly brush off any leftover flour and allow cookies to cool on the cookie sheet. Store the cookies in airtight containers.


Jam Thumbprints 12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 6

INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg, separated

1 1/2 cups flour 1 cup chopped pecans Raspberry jam, for garnish

DIRECTIONS: Cream the butter then gradually beat in the sugar and egg yolk. Add flour and blend thoroughly. Chill dough for several hours. Form into tiny balls; roll dough balls in beaten egg white then in chopped nuts. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Make a depression in the centers with your thumb then fill with jam. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes or until light brown.








Classic Peanut Butter Cookies 12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 7

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 egg 1 1/4 cups flour 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

DIRECTIONS: Beat the butter for 2 minutes or until creamy. Add the sugars and beat for 2 more minutes. Blend in peanut butter and egg. Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt) then stir mixture into the sugar/butter mixture. Wrap dough in waxed paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Preheat oven to 375 degrees*. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls and place about 3 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet and flatten with a fork in a crisscross pattern. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes or until light brown. Cool on baking sheets for a minute then transfer to racks to cool completely.

*LEANNE’S NOTE: For chewier cookies, bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes.


Mom’s Christmas Monster Cookies 12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 8

INGREDIENTS: 3 eggs 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar 1 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 12 ounces creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/4 cup dried cranberries 2 teaspoons baking soda 4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats, NOT instant

oatmeal!

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a very large mixing bowl, combine eggs and sugars; blend well. Add salt, vanilla, peanut butter and butter; blend well. Stir in M&Ms, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, baking soda and oats. Drop by tablespoons, 2 inches apart, onto prepared cookie sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. When cool, store in a large airtight container.








Toasted Coconut Mounds 12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 9

INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk 1 1/2 cups unsweetened grated coconut 1 egg white

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips,

melted

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix sweetened condensed milk with the coconut. Beat egg white until stiff peaks form; stir into milk/coconut mixture then add vanilla; blend well. Shape dough into balls and bake on greased or non-stick baking sheets until lightly browned. Meanwhile melt chocolate. Remove coconut mounds from baking sheets while hot and drizzle with melted chocolate.


Sour Cream Sugar Cookies 12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 10

INGREDIENTS: 1 teaspoon baking powder 3 to 4 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 eggs, beaten Colored sugar, optional Dash nutmeg or cinnamon, optional

DIRECTIONS: In a bowl, combine baking powder with flour and salt; set aside. In another bowl, combine baking soda and sour cream; set aside. In yet another bowl, cream shortening with sugar; add eggs and beat until fluffy then add flour mixture and sour cream mixture, alternating in about 3 additions; chill. On a floured surface, roll dough out to about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness then cut into desired shapes. Bake at 350° F for 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with sugar or spice before baking OR garnish when cooled.








Brown Butter and Almond Cookies 12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 11

INGREDIENTS: 2 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 cup unsalted butter 1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup light brown sugar 1/3 cup sugar, plus garnish 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS: Combine flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a medium saucepan, cook butter over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes or until it begins to brown. Add sliced almonds; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until the foam is lightly browned (the mixture will be foamy and a tan color); remove from heat. Using a fine mesh strainer, drain the butter into a large mixing bowl. Set the almonds aside. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. When butter has cooled to room temperature, add the sugars and beat until well blended. Beat in eggs and vanilla until light. Slowly beat in flour mixture until well blended. Fold in almonds and chocolate chips. Drop dough by the tablespoon onto prepared baking sheet. Dip the damp bottom of a glass in sugar then lightly stamp the cookie dough mounds down; bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges but still light in the centers. Cool slightly on the baking sheet then transfer to a rack to cool completely.


Mini Bourbon Snowballs 12 Cookies of Christmas Recipe 12

INGREDIENTS: 12 ounces vanilla wafers, finely crushed (3 cups) 1 cup finely chopped pecans 1 cup powdered sugar, divided

1 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/3 cup bourbon, or use rum

DIRECTIONS: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine crushed wafers, pecans and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar; set aside. In a double boiler over simmering water, melt chocolate chips with corn syrup. Add bourbon or rum and stir until smooth then pour mixture over wafer mixture; stir to combine thoroughly. Shape mixture into 1-inch balls and place on waxed paper. Place remaining powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll balls in powdered sugar then place them on waxed paper in a container, adding more snowballs layered between waxed paper; OR, place in small paper or foil candy cups. Store snowballs in airtight containers for about 3 days before serving. Snowballs can be stored for up to 2 weeks.








Got Questions?

Need Help? Send a message to Customer

Service at [email protected].








SAVING DINNER with

12 Cookies of Christmas/ Christmas Cookie Exchange

Volume 4



Saving the Holidays with Holiday Treats

Cookie 1: Black Walnut Sandies Cookie 2: Chocolate Coconut Macaroons

Cookie 3: Peanut Butter Buckeyes Cookie 4: Chocolate Coated Orange Spritz Cookies

Cookie 5: Stained Glass Sugar Cookies Cookie 6: Turkish Delight Cookie 7: Eggnog Fudge

Cookie 8: Dark Chocolate Toffee Cookies Cookie 9: Mini Chocolate Cookies Cookie 10: Caramel Rum Blondies

Cookie 11: Grandma’s Scotchy Oat Bars Cookie 12: Christmas Spice Biscotti




Welcome to your bonus Cookie Exchange Planner A fun way to enjoy a delicious variety of holiday cookies without all of the hard work!











7. Bring one dozen cookies for each participant plus 1 dozen to be sampled and shared at the party.(Variation: Have each guest bring 1/2 dozen cookies per guest instead of 1 dozen per guest.)

8. Arrange cookies in an attractive manner in keeping with the theme. Bring a carry home container largeenough to hold all the cookies and containers you will be bringing home.






Timeline:

5-6 weeksbefore the party





4 weeks before the party




… As guests begin to RSVP make sure you do not have any duplicate recipes. … Finish up items not checked off last week. … Call guests who have not yet RSVP’d. If you have a guest that cannot attend, you still have time

to fill that slot with another person if desired. … Plan party layout in your home. If you’ll need extra tables or chairs, begin the search for them

now by contacting family, friends, place of worship or a rental center. … Make a list of all of the party essentials you will need such as punch bowl, tablecloth, serving




3 weeks before party

… Finish up items not checked off during last week. … If possible, begin food preparations for party that can be frozen and thawed or reheated the day

of the party.

2 weeks before the

party

… If you haven’t already decorated your house for the Christmas season, begin your decorating now.

… Make arrangements for hubby and children to be out of the house during the party or at least sequestered in another section of your home.

1 week before the party

… Bake your cookies and freeze them or store them in an air tight container. … Clean house or at least the areas that will have guests. … Any items that you will be borrowing or renting, gather up now. … Finish purchasing any needed paper goods, decorations, cookie making supplies/ingredients,





3 days before party

… Have a timeline prepared for actual party so that you can make sure you include time for socializing, eating, sharing stories about the cookies, contests, games and exchanging cookies and passing out recipe cards.


1 day before the party

… Purchase ice. … Finish food and drinks for party. … Chill any beverages as needed. … Arrange furniture for party. … Set up tables and chairs. Arrange food table and cookie table. … Set out decorations, table linens, serving pieces, flatware, plates, cups, etc.

Morning of Party

… Defrost or thaw your cookies. Place them on/in your container. … Set up any last minute decorations.


… Reheat food if needed. Arrange on serving trays. Enlist help of husband or older children in this job.

… Make coffee, punch, tea, eggnog, hot cocoa or cider. Enlist help of husband or older children in this job.

… Put on some soothing music and take a nice long bubble bath. … Get dressed in your Christmas finery.


… Set out ice. … Light candles. … Turn on party music. … Say good bye to family. … Go over timeline for party. … Welcome guests and have FUN!!




How it all works! The Basic Rules Explained Setting the groundwork!

On page 2 we have listed some basic rules of a cookie exchange. These are a guideline to get you started. Along with your invitation, you should include a copy of your exchange’s rules, so that everyone knows what to expect and can follow through to ensure a successful exchange. Not sure why you need one of the rules, or how you may want to change it? Below is a brief explanation of what we were thinking.


2. This rule keeps the playing field level. Even those moms who eschew Martha Stewart and say they can’t cook theirway out of a paper sack, can still whip up some amazing cookies. Those ladies that do go the extra mile could feelslighted or hurt knowing all the time and effort they have put into their creations only to bring home a paper plate ofOreos or slice and bake sugar cookies with Rudolph’s likeness.

3. Yes, we all love chocolate. But variety is the spice of life, besides, do you really want to go home with 12 dozenoatmeal raisin cookies? Tell your guest that should they feel they’ve come across a different, unique or gourmetrecipe from the forbidden list to present it to you and then you decide what is best for your party. They trulymay have come across a wonderfully exotic chocolate chip cookie recipe, but you still don’t want to have 4different chocolate chip cookie creations.

4. There are several reasons for this. First, the basic guidelines call for inviting no more than 11 people to yourhome. Including the hostess that brings the grand total to 12 people. While you may want to invite a few extrawarm bodies just in case someone is a no show, please bear in mind that your guests need to know exactly howmany dozens they need to prepare. Also when your guests RSVP, you can avoid duplicate recipes.

5. Testing recipes helps. The instructions may sound simple, but could be much more complicated or have too manysteps that you don’t want to have to repeat 12 dozen times. The recipe could say that it yields 4 dozen cookies, butwhen your guest prepares it, the recipe only yielded 1 1/2 dozen. The recipe could sound totally yummy, yetwhen baked the end result is something you wouldn’t feed your dog.


7. This is easy math. If there are 4 people attending the party, everyone brings 5 dozen cookies. One dozen cookiesfor each of the participants and one dozen for sampling during the party. The extra dozen also can be used for someof the contests given below.

8. Use a nice container you don’t mind giving away with the cookies. The containers don’t have to match, but do keepin mind that those tropical fish plates you purchased on sale at the end of the summer won’t be a good choice.Bring a laundry or wicker basket to hold all your goodies for the ride home.

9. Mom gets hurt. A child gets sick. Dad is working late and the baby sitter is a no show. We all understand that lifehappens. Have your guest get her cookies to your home and you’ll make sure they are passed out to all theparticipants. You will also gather up all your missing guest’s goodies. If a guest has a last minute catastrophe andneeds to replace her homemade cookies with some nice, delicious bakery cookies, that’s okay.Just remember that burnt cookies are no reason for your guest to show up with a box of LittleDebbie’s.

10. This is a party. Tell your guest it is okay to be festive or even a little crazy. After all, where elsewill they get to wear the light up reindeer antler headband or the hosiery with the candy canepattern?




Sample Cookie Exchange Invitation Use this template or make up your own. Find fun holiday fonts online for that holiday look!

Copy and print the party information on decorative paper for a festive touch.

You Are Invited To My Fourth Annual Christmas Cookie Exchange

When: Friday December 20, 2013, 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM Where: Leanne’s home

1225 Holly Lane, Your town, US 00000 Theme: “My Favorite Things”

Attire: Wear your favorite Christmas finery.


Please share one of your family’s favorite Christmas cookies and recipe with us. Bake up and bring along 12 dozen of them. At the end of the night, you will return home with 12 varieties of cookies!

Yummy!



Enclosed you’ll find a copy of the rules and a recipe card. Please read the rules carefully. RSVP by Friday, December 6, 2013. Please return your recipe cards no later than December 15, 2012.

(When you RSVP, please let me know what type of cookie you will be bringing to the party. We want to make sure there is a nice variety of cookies, so RSVP quickly, as it’s first come, first served.






Tips for Successful Party A little planning makes for a great night!


• Many people have food allergies and we wouldn’t want to ruin anyone’s holiday with a wayward cookie.

• You can’t eat all the cookies yourself. What are you going to do now? Share the wealth. Using the take homecontainers provide by the guests, share your goodies with your co-workers, children’s teachers, neighbors,friends or family. Pack up a goodie bag for your husband to take to work to for the office party, or go carolingat a nursing home and leave some cookies for the workers to pass out to the residents.

• Even though guests are supposed to bring a carry home container, have some re-sealable plastic baggies andstock of paper or plastic bags from your grocery store. Should a guest forget their container at least you’ll beable to help them consolidate their goodies and get their treasures home.


• Cookie exchanges don’t have to be a ladies only event during the evening. You can arrange a scaled backversion of the party during your lunch hour at work, or have a brunch style party during the daytime. Youcan get your kids involved and have one for “mommy and me”; or, let your teenage daughter host one forher 4 closest girlfriends.

• Instead of asking your guests to bring food to the party to share, ask each guest to bring a nonperishablefood item for the local rescue mission or abused women’s shelter.










Cookie Baking Hints Tips to ensure a successful baking experience


• Some forms of cooking are more forgiving than others. Baking isn’t one of those forgiving cooking venues.You really can’t hide an overcooked cookie. Try not to multi-task while doing your Christmas exchangecookies.

• Not sure about how long your spices have been in your pantry? Purchase fresh ones. The same goes forbaking soda and baking powder. Their quality and freshness will affect your recipe’s outcome.





• A cookie scoop is a time saver when doing large batches of cookies. You’ll also have cookies that areconsistently the same size.

• Set up an assembly line if possible. If you know you’ll need to make the recipe 2 or 3 times, set up stations todo all your dry ingredients, all your creaming of butter and sugar, and a station for all the wet ingredients, etc.Then, once you have the items measured, it will take less time to mix them together.




• Use real ingredients; real butter, real chocolate, real vanilla extract instead ‘flavored’ ingredients.


• Insulated cookie sheets don’t work well with cookies with a high fat content. The cookiestend to be under cooked and anemic looking. Baking cookies longer on a insulated cookiesheet to get them golden brown will only dry out and overcook the cookie.

• If it is humid outside, chill your cookies for about 15- 20 minutes so that they won’t spreadout as much when baking.




Contest and Game Ideas Some fun ideas and challenges to get the party going!







• Last Cookie Made (There is one in every group and maybe even more than one at your party. She’s thewoman who meant to get her cookies finished last weekend, but pulled out the last batch this morningor maybe it was 10 minutes before she left the for party.)



Games • Make up a Holiday Scrambled Word game on your computer.






ANSWERS:

1) b 2) C 3) d 4) a 5) d 6) c 7) a 8) b 9) c 10) a 11) c 12) d

Bonus Question: Bert and Ernie from It’s a Wonderful Life.

















13. What phrase does Sam Wainwright say all the time in “It’s a Wonderful Life”?a) Hee Haw b) Golly Gee c) Jeepers d) Jiminy Cricket

Bonus Question:


1. 2.

Film: _________________________




Cookie Shopping List Have your own fun filled baking day and make them all!

CONDIMENTS Corn syrup [C6] Creamy peanut butter [C3] Rum [C10] Rose water (or orange blossom water) [C6]

SPICES Sea salt [C2, C5, C8, C9, C10, C12] Ground cinnamon [C7, C10, C11, C12] Ground ginger [C10] Ground nutmeg [C7, C10] Ground cloves [C10] Vanilla extract [C4, C5, C8, C9, C11, C12] Almond extract [C2] Maple flavoring [C1]

DAIRY/DAIRY CASE Butter, unsalted [C1, C3, C4, C5, C7, C8, C9, C11, C12] Eggs [C1, C4, C5, C8, C9, C10, C11, C12] Egg whites [C2] Milk [C5, C10] Eggnog [C7]

OTHER Vegetable shortening [C8, C10] Non-stick spray [C7] Red or green food coloring [C6] Parafin wax [C3] Toothpicks [C3] Waxed paper [C3] Aluminum foil [C7] Pastry bag [C4]

DRY GOODS Flour [C1, C2, C4, C5, C8, C9, C10, C11, C12] Sugar [C2, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C10, C11, C12] Brown sugar [C1, C8, C9, C11] Powdered sugar [C4, C6] Baking soda [C1, C8, C9, C11] Baking powder [C1, C5, C8, C12] Double-acting baking powder [C4] Cornstarch [C4, C6] Quick cooking oats [C11] Pecans [C7, C9] Walnuts [C1] Pistachios [C6] Macadamia nuts [C10] Hazelnuts, toasted [C12] Semi-sweet chocolate chips [C2, C3, C4, C8] White chocolate chips [C7] Almond brickle chips [C8] Caramel chips (or toffee or butterscotch) [C10] Butterscotch chips [C11] Andes mints [C9] Mini-marshmallows [C7] Flaked, sweetened coconut [C2] Colored hard candies [C5] Unflavored gelatin [C6]

PRODUCE Orange zest [C4, C12] Orange juice [C4] Lemon juice [C6]




Black Walnut Sandies Cookie 1

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup butter 1 cup brown sugar 1 large egg 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon maple flavoring 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 ½ cups chopped black walnuts

DIRECTIONS: Beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and add maple flavoring. Add in flour and baking soda. Add baking powder, dissolved in a couple drops of water. Add nuts and mix well. Divide dough into thirds and roll into logs. Refrigerate until firm (about 1 hour.) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice logs into thin cookies. Bake for 9 minutes or until light brown in color. Store in airtight container.


Chocolate Coconut Macaroons Cookie 2

INGREDIENTS: 2 2/3 cups (7 ounces) flaked sweetened coconut 2/3 cup granulated sugar 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt 4 large egg whites 1 teaspoon almond extract 1/3 cup melted semi-sweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix coconut, sugar, flour and salt in bowl. Stir in egg whites and almond extract until well blended. Stir in melted chocolate and blend well. Drop by teaspoon onto greased and floured cookie sheets. Let each set

up completely.





Peanut Butter Buckeyes Cookie 3

INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs. Peanut butter 1 pound butter 3 pounds powdered sugar two 12-ounce packages of semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 of one bar of paraffin wax toothpicks for dipping waxed paper

DIRECTIONS: Place wax paper onto cookie sheets and set aside. Cream peanut butter and butter until combined. Add sugar a little at a time. Make sure it is mixed well. Roll peanut butter mixture into approximately 400 1-inch diameter balls. Insert one tooth pick into each small peanut butter ball. Set all of them aside. Melt chocolate and paraffin (paraffin helps the chocolate become shiny when it cools) in a double boiler. Be careful not to over-heat the chocolate. Dip the ball into the chocolate so as to ALMOST cover the entire ball. Leave small portion of ball uncoated. Let cool on waxed paper. Store in a cool place.


Chocolate Coated Orange Spritz Cookies Cookie 4

INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/8 teaspoon double-acting baking powder 1/2 cup unsalted butter, (softened) 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar 1 large egg, (separated, the white at room temperature)

2 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest 1/4 teaspoon vanilla 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice granulated sugar for sprinkling the cookies 2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly.

DIRECTIONS: Into a large bowl sift together the flour, the cornstarch, the baking powder and a pinch of salt. In a bowl with an electric mixer cream together the butter and the confectioners' sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the yolk, the zest, the vanilla, and the orange juice. Stir in the flour mixture.

In a separate bowl beat the white until it forms soft peaks and fold it gently but thoroughly into the mixture. (The batter will have the consistency of soft dough.) Transfer the batter to a pastry bag fitted with a decorative ribbon tip and onto the buttered baking sheet pipe 1-1/2-inch lengths 1 inch apart. Sprinkle the lengths with the granulated sugar and bake the cookies in the middle of a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Transfer the cookies to racks and let them cool until they can be handled. Dip 1 end of each cookie into the melted chocolate and let the cookies set up completely on the racks.





Stained Glass Sugar Cookies Cookie 5

INGREDIENTS: 2/3 cup butter or margarine 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 large eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/3 cup milk 40 pieces of colored hard candy

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease cookie sheets very well or line with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Mix in vanilla and eggs. In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt; add to egg mixture alternating with milk. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough 1/4 inch thick. Cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch wide strips and, on a well-buttered baking sheet, form into window frames. Alternately, cut with graduated cookie cutters so that there is a hole in the middle of each cookie. Keeping the colors separate, place candy in plastic bags and crush into small bits. Place crushed candies inside window frames. Bake for six minutes, or until candy is just melted. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, until candy is hard. Carefully lift cookies off baking sheet with spatula.


Turkish Delight Cookie 6

INGREDIENTS: 3 cups granulated sugar 1-1/2 cups water3 tablespoons white corn syrup3 envelopes unflavored gelatinjuice of 1 lemon

3/4 cup cornstarch 1 tablespoon of rose water (or orange blossom water) 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pistachio nuts powdered sugar (for dusting) red or green food coloring (optional)

DIRECTIONS: Combine granulated sugar with water and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan and boil until it reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer or soft ball stage. Keep hot. In a small bowl, soften the gelatin in the lemon juice. Set aside. In another small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1/2 cup of cold water, the pour it into the hot syrup. Stir gently and simmer slowly until very thick. Remove from heat, add gelatin and lemon juice and stir until gelatin dissolves. Stir in rose water or vanilla, nuts and 2 to 3 drops food coloring if desired. Sprinkle a generous layer of powdered sugar in an 8-inch square pan. Pour in mixture and let set in a cool dry place for 3 or 4 hours or until set. Sprinkle with another layer of powdered sugar and cut into 1-inch squares. Dredge each square in powdered sugar. Store in an airtight container.





Eggnog Fudge Cookie 7

INGREDIENTS: 1/8 cup butter, chilled 3 cups sugar 1 cup eggnog 6 ounces white chocolate chips

1 1/2 cup mini-marshmallows 1 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon non-stick spray

DIRECTIONS: Line a 9 x 9-inch cake pan with aluminum foil and set aside. Spray the sides of a large saucepan non-stick spray. Add the eggnog and sugar, and bring to a rolling boil over medium to medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Boil for two full minutes. Fold in the marshmallows, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring back to a rolling boil for another 6 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture will start to turn brown, which is normal, but if you see brown flakes in the mixture then turn down the heat a little. Remove from heat and add the butter, chips, and nuts. Stir until thoroughly mixed or until the mixture starts to lose its glossy appearance. Pour into prepared pan. Cool at room temperature. Remove from pan, remove foil, cut into 1-inch squares.


Chocolate Toffee Cookies Cookie 8

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup shortening 1/4 cup white sugar 1 egg 2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups dark chocolate chips 1 (6 ounce) package almond brickle chips 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:


Mix sugars, butter and shortening until light and fluffy. Mix in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir in chocolate chips and brickle chips.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. Make 9-10 minutes until lightly brown.





Mint Chocolate Cookies Cookie 9

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup butter

*2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons water

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

6 ounces Andes mints

Pecan halves

DIRECTIONS: In a large bowl, cream together sugars and butter. Add eggs, vanilla and water. Beat well. Mix flour, baking soda and salt

well. Add gradually to egg mixture. Chill dough overnight.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wrap each mint completely in cookie dough. Place 2" apart on lightly greased cookie sheets

and put a nut half on top of each cookie. Bake 7-9 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool thoroughly on wire racks.


Carmel Rum Blondies Cookie 10

INGREDIENTS: 1-1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

3/4 cup granulated sugar

pinch of salt

2/3 cup solid vegetable shortening

3 large eggs

1/4 cup milk

3 tablespoons rum

2/3 cup caramel chips (or toffee, or butterscotch)

1/2 cup whole macadamia nuts

DIRECTIONS: Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9 x 9-inch baking dish. Sift together the flour, spices, sugar and salt; set aside. In

a large mixing bowl, beat together shortening and eggs until creamy. Beat in milk and rum. Gradually stir flour mixture

into egg mixture. Stir in chips and nuts. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until the

blondies start to detach from the sides of the dish. Allow to cool to room temperature and cut into 24 bars.





Grandma’s Scotchy Oat Bars Cookie 11

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup white sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla or grated peel of one

orange

3 cups quick cooking oats

2 cups butterscotch chips

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, baking soda, and cinnamon in small bowl. Beat butter, sugar, brown sugar,

eggs and vanilla in large bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats and butterscotch chips. Spread dough into

greased 15 x 10 inch pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until very lightly browned.


Christmas Spice Biscottie Cookie 12

INGREDIENTS: 3 cups all purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup toasted hazelnuts

3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 tablespoon grated orange zest 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 large eggs

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking liner. Mix flour, baking powder, salt

and cinnamon in medium bowl; set aside. Coarsely chop hazelnuts in a food processor. Combine sugar and butter and mix

until fluffy. Add orange zest and vanilla and mix well. Add eggs 1 at a time, blending just until incorporated after each

addition. Add flour mixture and mix until just incorporated. Mix in hazelnuts until just blended. Turn dough out onto a

floured surface. Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a 9" x 2" log. Place the logs on the baking sheet. Flatten each log

to 12" x 2 1/2". Bake 25 minutes or until very light golden and firm to touch. Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes. Transfer the

logs to a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut logs diagonally into 3/4-inch-wide slices. Place slices, cut side down, on

your baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes. Turn biscotti over, bake about 15 minutes more or until light golden and firm. Place

on racks and cool.





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