Entries Tagged 'Christmas cookies' ↓

Tomorrow is CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!! And these are the cookies I most associate with this wonderful holiday. I’ve been making them for more years than I can remember, and Christmas just wouldn’t seem the same without them. Although there are dozens of variations on the Swedish Spritz, this is my tried-and-true version. The recipe is simple, requiring no milk or leavening agent/s, and yields consistently excellent results. The only two requirements are use of an electric mixer and a cookie press. Because of the thickness of the dough, I strongly recommend using a heavy-duty stand mixer. People (I will not names names) have been known to burn through the motor on a hand mixer while trying to make these. As for the cookie press, I have used a couple different types over the years. Cookie presses are pretty inexpensive in general - averaging $20 or so - and definitely worth the investment if you enjoy spritz cookies as much as I do. My current cookie press is made by Wilton. It’s shaped like a gun with a handle trigger and works beautifully. Although spritz cookies have historically been flavored with almond extract (which is included here), I’ve had to exclude it over the years due to a family member’s food allergy. With or without it, these cookies are a little taste of Christmas.
Yields 7 dozen.

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I am never one to turn away a new recipe, and I find them everywhere. On manufacturer’s websites, the labels of cans, coupons, you name it. I found this one a couple weeks ago on the back of a Domino dark brown sugar bag. The combination of molasses-like flavor, along with festive spices and dried fruit seemed custom-made for Christmas. And I was RIGHT! The smell of these cookies baking is enchanting, and when I pulled the first batch from the oven, I was charmed by their plump round appearance. They reminded me of little cinnamon rolls! And so I decided to give them a little decoration. Rather than icing, I melted some white chocolate and piped it right on. It gives a rather nice effect, I think. But the more important thing is the TASTE, and these cookies are fantastic. Soft and sweet, with a subtle note of spice. The recipe calls for dried cranberries and golden raisins, but they’re equally delicious with other small dried fruit, such as dried cherries, dark seedless raisins and/or currants.
Yields 5 dozen.

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Today’s tiny bite-size cookies are another find from Simply Homemade Food Gifts. AND once again I’ve taken the ball and run with it. The recipe suggests serving them plain - and as such they are yummy. BUT dipped in white chocolate - ooh la la! Or in this case, FAA LA LA! Yields 160 tiny cookies.

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