Cookies Make Christmas Special

 

by: Bobby Mcdonald

 

Country and Western singer, George Strait, sings about those Christmas cookies, and Santa is always pleased to have a stack of them waiting for him, beside the Christmas tree. So, it's about time for you to be thinking about making a "batch" to make certain you have plenty on-hand, for his arrival.

Below are some great Christmas cookie recipes to try this season:

 

 

Christmas Date Balls

 

ingredients

• ½ stick or ¼ cup of unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup of white sugar
• 1 cup of dates, chopped in small pieces
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 3 cups of rice crispy cereal
• 1 cup of chopped nuts of choice (optional)
• 1 cup of grated coconut, preferable fresh frozen type, thawed on a cookie sheet

directions

1. In a saucepan melt the butter until just melted and is not very warm.
2. Using a firm whisk, quickly whisk in the eggs, add the sugar and whisk vigorously.
3. Add the dates, vanilla and salt and cook over medium heat while constantly stirring with a firm whisk or heat resistant spatula. The mixture will boil after about 5-7 minutes and can then be removed from the heat source.
4. Add the rice crispy cereal and the nuts and stir to combine.
5. Using a small ice cream scoop or a spoon, drop even mounds of the still warm mixture onto the coconut. Roll in the coconut and let cool.

 

 

 

 

Christmas Jelly Cookies

 

ingredients

• 2 sticks or 1 cup of unsalted butter, soft
• 2/3 cup of sugar
• ½ teaspoon of almond extract
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (Spoon and sweep method*)
• ½ cup of raspberry preserves or preserves of choice

*Using a large spoon, fill the measuring cup with flour until the required amount is obtained.

directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

1. Cream the butter until smooth, add the sugar and cream further. Add the almond and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
2. Sift together the flour and salt. Add the flour in one step to the creamed mixture and mix until just combined. Do not over mix.
3. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and on a parchment lined or buttered cookie sheet.
4. Press an indention in the center and fill with jam of choice. Place in the oven and bake until the edges begin to obtain a golden color, about 13-15 minutes.

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Christmas Cinnamon Sugar Cookies

 

ingredients

• 2 sticks of unsalted butter, soft
• 1 ½ cups of sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour (Spoon and sweep method*)
• 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• For the cinnamon sugar:
• 2 tablespoons of sugar and
• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

* Using a large spoon, fill the measuring cup with flour until the required amount is obtained.

directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

1. Mix the butter until light and fluffy. Add the sugar and beat well. Add the eggs one at time and scrape bowl in between. Add the vanilla extract.
2. Sift together the remaining ingredients and add in one step to the creamed mixture. Blend until just mixed.
3. The dough is easier to handle when chilled first for about two hours.
4. Make small balls with the dough and roll them using the Cinnamon Sugar Shaker or blend the ingredients for the cinnamon sugar. Place the balls on parchment lined or lightly buttered baking pans. Press the balls lightly.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until light golden.

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Christmas Pecan Squares

 

ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 stick + 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, soft
• ¾ cup of sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour (Spoon and sweep method*)

For the filling:

• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup of heavy cream or evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cup of brown sugar
• ½ cup of white sugar
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 2 ½ cups of coarsely chopped pecans

* Using a large spoon, fill the measuring cup with flour until the required amount is obtained.

directions

For the crust:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

1. Blend the butter and confectioners sugar well. Add the egg, salt and vanilla extract and blend until smooth. Add the flour and mix until just combined.
2. Reserve a generous tablespoon of dough and press the remaining dough evenly into a pan measuring 10 inch x 15 inch x 1 inch, shaping up the sides perfectly.
3. Prick the dough with a fork and bake until light golden. If any patchwork is required for the sides or bottom, use the reserved dough and place for 2 minutes in the oven. (Make certain no holes larger than the ones created by the fork are visible. Otherwise, the filling could seep between the crust and the pan)

For the filling:

1. In a large bowl whisk the eggs smooth. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Mix in the brown and granulated sugar, flour and salt. Add the pecans.
2. Pour the mixture into the prebaked crust and place in the oven for 38-43 minutes or until the center is set.
3. Let cool before cutting.

Make Santa Happy With
a "Batch" of these Cookies,
and A Glass of Milk!!!

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