This isn't about perfect cookies or perfect pictures of cookies. It's about tradition, one I am thankful for each year. My Mom and I have always dedicated a day to making Christmas cookies together, some of each Family recipe she grew up with and then passed on to me. On December 25th, you know we will always be serving toffee bars, peanut butter nerds (a Family special), pistachio cake and homemade, frosted sugar cookies.
Some years ago, we invited one of my best girlfriends to help us with the baking and after making a mess in the kitchen all day, we took a drive around town to look at Christmas lights and hit each of our favorite drive-thru spots (Portillo's, Taco Bell and White Castle, respectively). We had so much fun that year and since then, have made it an annual experience that the 3 of us look forward to. Sometimes, we try new recipes (see melted snowmen), but we ALWAYS snack while we bake and certainly don't feel shy about passing around the Prosecco bottle, either.
For the past few years, we have relied on this sugar cookie recipe - We all agreed it was the best we had tried yet and the only reason we switched this year was to make them gluten-free, specifically so my nephew (Lisa's son) could indulge in them too.
For the cookies, you will need:
- 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
For the icing, you will need:
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
Does anyone else get just as excited about the little snacks and apps you can munch on while you wait on the oven/cooling time? This orange fig spread is one of my new favorites...it's perfect on crackers or tiny toasts, especially with a swipe of hummus or slice of cheese...Sweet & savory never fails!
I'm happy to report, they turned out just as (if not more) delicious than our usual batch, they were easy to make and sadly, our decorating skills have NOT improved...so if you thought these were the "Instagram worthy" kind of cookies, I am sorry to disappoint. We had fun making them and when it comes to Christmas, isn't everything wonderful just the way it is?
What are your Family baking traditions?
Any favorite recipes to share?
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