12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 12

It's hard to believe we're up to day 12 already.  This cookie might be my favorite solely because it's acceptable to eat it for breakfast.  I rationalize the fact that chocolate chip cookies are okay for breakfast because they're like chocolate chip pancakes, am I right?  No.  Ok.  Well these are totally okay for breakfast.  In fact, they're even called "breakfast cookies."  When I told my mom I was making cookies for breakfast, she said "Interesting."  I wasn't expecting complete fanfare, but at least an "Angela, you're a genius!  You're my favorite child!  Why did it take you so long to come up with this?"  Once she found out what a hit they were, she was texting me asking me to bring her some all the way from Jersey to Miami, Florida.  I had some on the plane for her, but I ate them all.  Whoops!  And the best part about this recipe is you can add whatever you want (or don't want) into it.  I've had people add in a cup each of raisins and chocolate chips, but it's totally up to you.

Breakfast Cookies

Ingredients:

2 sticks butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp almond extract

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

3 cups oats

1 cup craisins

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup chopped nuts of your choice (I used walnuts)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Cream butter and both sugars
Add in eggs and blend well
Add in vanilla and almond extracts and blend well
Slowly add in baking soda, cinnamon and flour
Add in oats
Add in the remaining ingredients
Drop dough by the heaping tablespoon onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Bake for 12-14 minutes
Move to wire rack to cool
Enjoy!

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas? Check them out here!

Day 1: White Chocolate Craisin 

Day 2: Ooey Gooey Butter

Day 3: Chocolate Espresso Shortbread with Peppermint Buttercream Icing

Day 4: Appledoodle

Day 5: Malted Milk Chocolate Chip

Day 6: Grinch Cookie

Day 7: Cake Batter Chocolate Chip

Day 8: Almond Oatmeal

Day 9: Gingerbread Men

Day 10: Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter

Day 11: Peanut Butter Cracker Cookies

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 11

Alright, my family is weird.  My dad doesn't like peanut butter and my mom hadn't had peanut butter crackers until a few years ago.  Sometimes I don't know how I came from these two people.  Peanut butter is a food group its own for me.  The good thing about my family being weird is I don't have to share these cookies with anyone...well, except maybe my brother.  These cookies are so easy to make and it doesn't really have proportions, just whatever you feel like.

Peanut Butter Cracker Cookies

Ingredients:

Peanut butter

Crackers (I used Ritz)

Melting/dipping chocolate

Sprinkles

Directions:

Lay out wax paper

Place as much peanut butter as you want on a cracker

Top with another cracker to make a sandwich

Melt chocolate according to directions

Drop a sandwich into the melted chocolate making sure it gets coated entirely

Place on wax paper and top with sprinkles

If you're in a hurry and need the cookies to set up quickly, pop in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes

Enjoy!

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas? Check them out here!

Day 1: White Chocolate Craisin 

Day 2: Ooey Gooey Butter

Day 3: Chocolate Espresso Shortbread with Peppermint Buttercream Icing

Day 4: Appledoodle

Day 5: Malted Milk Chocolate Chip

Day 6: Grinch Cookie

Day 7: Cake Batter Chocolate Chip

Day 8: Almond Oatmeal

Day 9: Gingerbread Men

Day 10: Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 10

I love peanut butter.  I mean like really love peanut butter.  Sometimes when I'm really hungry, I just eat it by the spoonful.  I also love chocolate so there's nothing better than putting the two together.  Expect for maybe Nutella, but we'll get to that another day.

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tablespoon milk

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Cream together shortening, peanut butter and sugar

Add in the egg and milk

Slowly add in flour, baking soda and salt and mix until combined

Fold in chocolate chips

Drop by the tablespoon onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Bake for 10-12 minutes

Enjoy!

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas? Check them out here!

Day 1: White Chocolate Craisin 

Day 2: Ooey Gooey Butter

Day 3: Chocolate Espresso Shortbread with Peppermint Buttercream Icing

Day 4: Appledoodle

Day 5: Malted Milk Chocolate Chip

Day 6: Grinch Cookie

Day 7: Cake Batter Chocolate Chip

Day 8: Almond Oatmeal

Day 9: Gingerbread Men

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 9

My mom has been asking me for weeks to make gingerbread men and I don't know what's taken me so long.  They're such staples of Christmas so it's about time I made them.  I used Paula Deen's recipe but tweaked it just a little.

Gingerbread Men

Ingredients:

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 stick butter, softened

2 eggs

1/3 cup molasses

3 3/4 cup flour

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Cream butter and sugar

Add in eggs and molasses

In a separate bowl, mix together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt

Slowly add flour mixture to wet ingredients

Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for an hour, or until firm

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Unwrap dough and break into smaller sections, about 1/2 cup, to roll out

Roll out to 1/8 inch thickness

Cut out cookies with cookie cutter

Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Bake for 10 minutes

Transfer to wire rack to cool

Enjoy!

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas? Check them out here!

Day 1: White Chocolate Craisin 

Day 2: Ooey Gooey Butter

Day 3: Chocolate Espresso Shortbread with Peppermint Buttercream Icing

Day 4: Appledoodle

Day 5: Malted Milk Chocolate Chip

Day 6: Grinch Cookie

Day 7: Cake Batter Chocolate Chip

Day 8: Almond Oatmeal

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 8

These cookies were a hit at family dinner and a week later, people were still talking about them!  I love almond flavoring and these cookies are perfect for curling up with a mug of hot tea and a Christmas movie.

Almond Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup sugar

2 tsp almond extract

1 3/4 cup flour

1 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cream together: butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy

Add in almond extract

Slowly add in flour and oats

Drop by the tablespoon on to baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Gently flatten the the back of a spoon
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until light brown
Move to wire rack to cool
Enjoy!

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas? Check them out here!

Day 1: White Chocolate Craisin 

Day 2: Ooey Gooey Butter

Day 3: Chocolate Espresso Shortbread with Peppermint Buttercream Icing

Day 4: Appledoodle

Day 5: Malted Milk Chocolate Chip

Day 6: Grinch Cookie

Day 7: Cake Batter Chocolate Chip

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 7

You know those days when you really want some cake batter but you really want some cookies, too?  No?  That's just me?  Whoops.  Anyway, if you ever have one of those days, then this is the perfect cookie for you!  It gives you the best of both worlds by combining cookies and cake batter!

Cake Batter Chocolate Chip Cookie

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup flour

1 1/4 cup funfetti cake mix

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granular sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

sprinkles (optional)

Directions

In a bowl, mix together flour, cake mix and baking soda; set aside

In a mixer, cream butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy

Add in egg and mix well

Add in vanilla and mix until combined

Slowly add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until just combined

Fold in the chocolate and white chocolate chips and extra sprinkles if wanted

Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Drop cookies by the tablespoon onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Bake 10-12 minutes

Enjoy!

**NOTE: If you want a stronger cake batter flavor, add in more of the cake mix.  Whatever extra cake mix you use, subtract that from the flour.  Just make sure the "flour" part totals 2 1/2 cups.  For instance you could do 1 1/2 cup funfetti mix and only 1 cup of flour, it's up to you!

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas? Check them out here!

Day 1: White Chocolate Craisin 

Day 2: Ooey Gooey Butter

Day 3: Chocolate Espresso Shortbread with Peppermint Buttercream Icing

Day 4: Appledoodle

Day 5: Malted Milk Chocolate Chip

Day 6: Grinch Cookie

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 6

Guys, I'm pretty sure my heart grew three sizes when I discovered these cookies.  They're Grinch Cookies!  Not only are the super cute, they're tasty as well!  They've quickly become a favorite among my friends.

Grinch Cookies

Ingredients:

1 box French Vanilla cake mix

1/2 vegetable oil

2 eggs

Green food coloring

Powdered sugar

Heart sprinkles

Directions:

Cream together cake mix, oil, eggs and food coloring (you can use as much coloring as you want depending on how green you want your cookies)

Chill for 30 minutes

Preheat oven to 350

Drop batter by the tablespoon into powdered sugar and roll into balls

Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Gently press heart sprinkle on top

Bake for 10-12 minutes

Cool on sheet for 2 minutes, then move to wire cooling rack

Enjoy!

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas? Check them out here!

Day 1: White Chocolate Craisin 

Day 2: Ooey Gooey Butter

Day 3: Chocolate Espresso Shortbread with Peppermint Buttercream Icing

Day 4: Appledoodle

Day 5: Malted Milk Chocolate Chip

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 5

My dad and little brother love malted milkshakes and my uncle loves the candy Whoppers so I decided to cater to their tastebuds when making this cookie.

Malted Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, room temperature

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup cocoa

3/4 cup malted milk powder

2 1/2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups chocolate chips

Directions:

Cream butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy

Add in eggs and vanilla and mix well

In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa and malted milk powder

Slowly add flour mixture to butter mixture and mix well

Fold in chocolate chips

Refrigerate dough for an hour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Drop cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Bake for 10 minutes

Allow to cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling rack

Enjoy!

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas? Check them out here!

Day 1: White Chocolate Craisin 

Day 2: Ooey Gooey Butter

Day 3: Chocolate Espresso Shortbread with Peppermint Buttercream Icing

Day 4: Appledoodle

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 4

You've heard of snickerdoodles, golden doodles, labradoodles and now it's time you're introduced to appledoodles.  This new take on the classic snickerdoodle recipe will have you wondering why we didn't think to combine these two sooner.  These cookies pair perfectly with hot tea or cider, a fireplace and a book.

Appledoodle Cookies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup apples, peeled and diced

1/2 cup butter flavored shortening

1/2 cup butter at room temperature

1 1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

2 3/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

3 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Cream together butter, shortening and sugar

Add in eggs and vanilla

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice

Slowly add flour mixture to wet mixture and mix until fully combined 

Remove from mixer and fold in apples

In a small bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice

Form dough into 1 inch balls and roll in sugar mixture

Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Bake for 8-10 minutes

Enjoy!

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas? Check them out here!

Day 1: White Chocolate Craisin 

Day 2: Ooey Gooey Butter

Day 3: Chocolate Espresso Shortbread with Peppermint Buttercream Icing

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 3

You know those days when 3 p.m. hits and you're dragging?  It's a struggle to make it through the rest of the day and all you want to do is take a nap.  If you know that feeling, then this cookie is definitely for you.  Not only does it give you a dose of coffee, it has espresso in it for an extra kick!

Chocolate Espresso Shortbread with Peppermint Buttercream Icing

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

1 cup flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon espresso powder

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup butter at room temperature

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the icing:

1/2 cup butter at room temperature

1 3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream

2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract

Sprinkles

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

In a separate bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder and salt

In a mixer, cream together butter and sugar for 5 minutes until light and fluffy

Add in vanilla and mix until incorporated

Slowly add in flour mixture and mix for 2 minutes

Lay out wax paper and and roll out dough until it is 1/4 inch thick

Using a cookie cutter or a biscuit cutter, cut out cookies

Place cookies on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper

Bake for 12 minutes

Allow to cool on sheet for 1-2 minutes then move to a wire cooling rack

While the cookies are cooling, use a mixer with a paddle attachment to whip butter for 5 minutes, until light and fluffy

Add in powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream and peppermint extract

Mix on low until combined, then increase speed to medium and whip for 3 to 5 minutes or until light and fluffy

Ice cookies, top with sprinkles and enjoy!

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas? Check them out here!

Day 1: White Chocolate Craisin 

Day 2: Ooey Gooey Butter

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 2

One of my favorite cakes is an Ooey Gooey Butter Cake -- it's so buttery and delicious.  I decided I wanted this cake in a cookie form and it's just as yummy!  These cookies were a hit at my bible study, people couldn't believe they were homemade.  Not only are the homemade -- they're super easy to make.

Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cream butter, cream cheese, egg and vanilla until fluffy

Slowly add in the cake mix

Roll dough into balls (you can chill the dough for 30 minutes in the fridge to make it easier to work with if you'd like)

Dip in powdered sugar until fully coated

Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet

Bake for 12 minutes

Enjoy!

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas? Check them out here!

Day 1: White Chocolate Craisin 

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 1

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...the 12 Cookies of Christmas! I started this on a whim last year and not only was it a huge success, it was so much fun and oh so tasty!  Without further ado, here is Day 1.

White Chocolate Craisin Cookies

Ingredients:
2 3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup craisins

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Combine flour, salt and baking soda; set aside
Cream butter, brown and granulated sugars, corn syrup and vanilla until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes)
Add in egg and combine
Slowly add in flour mixture
Remove from mixer and fold in white chocolate chips and craisins
Drop by tablespoon on parchment lined cookie sheet
Bake for 11-14 minutes, until lightly browned
Enjoy!

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 12

It's so hard to believe the 2014 edition of the 12 Cookies of Christmas is over.  It's even harder to believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve.  How is everyone doing with shopping and wrapping?  I have all of my shopping done, but still need to wrap my presents.  Here's one final cookie to get you in the holiday spirit!

Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

2/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1/3 cup granular sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 tablespoon red food coloring

2 cups flour, firmly packed

3/4 cup sour cream
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Melt the unsweetened chocolate in the microwave
In electric mixer, cream butter, brown sugar and granular sugar
Add in baking soda and salt
Mix in egg
Add red food coloring and and mix well
Pour in melted chocolate
Slowly add in 1 cup of flour
Add in sour cream
Add remaining flour
Mix in chocolate chips
On a greased or parchment paper lined cookie sheet, drop tablespoon size cookies
Bake for 11-13 minutes

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas?  Check them out here!

Day 1: Chocolate Crinkle Cookie

Day 2: Pecan Wedding Cookie

Day 3: Chocolate Swirl Cookie
Day 4: Chocolate Sugar Cookie
Day 5: Pecan Pie Cookies
Day 6: Chocolate Swirl Meringue
Day 7: Cinnamon Roll Cookie
Day 8: Spritz Cookie
Day 9: Hot Chocolate Cookie
Day 10: Graham Cracker Praline
Day 11: Nana's Sugar Cookie

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 11

Here's another one of my Nana's recipes that has been handed down.  You know recipes are going to be good when they're hand written on cards.  You can make these cookies for any occasion.  I made them for Halloween and used themed cookie cutters.  For Christmas, I added in some red food coloring.  The possibilities are endless.

Nana's Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
1 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions:
Cream butter and sugar
Mix in egg, vanilla and almond extracts
Blend in dry ingredients
Chill for 2-3 hours
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Press out dough and cut into desired shape
Place on a greased cookie sheet, or sheet lined with parchment paper
Bake for 7-8 minutes

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas?  Check them out here!

Day 1: Chocolate Crinkle Cookie

Day 2: Pecan Wedding Cookie

Day 3: Chocolate Swirl Cookie
Day 4: Chocolate Sugar Cookie
Day 5: Pecan Pie Cookies
Day 6: Chocolate Swirl Meringue
Day 7: Cinnamon Roll Cookie
Day 8: Spritz Cookie
Day 9: Hot Chocolate Cookie
Day 10: Graham Cracker Praline

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 10

My mom deserves all the credit for these cookies.  I was at work last night and didn't have a cookie set for today.  Well, my sweet mother surprised me and made these.  (Really, I think she just wanted in on the action and the bragging rights, but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.)  This is a recipe she used to make with my Nana when she was younger.  Since my grandmother is no longer with us, any questions we had about the recipe had to be taken to the internet, instead, but they're just as good!

Graham Cracker Pralines

Ingredients:
12 graham crackers
2 cups butter
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup pecans

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil and top with parchment paper
Break graham crackers and place on sheet
Melt butter on stove
Add in brown sugar and bring to a boil, boil for 2 minutes
Remove from heat and mix in pecans and coconut
Spread mixture over crackers
Bake 12-15 minutes
The graham crackers will appear soft, but will set up as they cool

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas?  Check them out here!

Day 1: Chocolate Crinkle Cookie

Day 2: Pecan Wedding Cookie

Day 3: Chocolate Swirl Cookie
Day 4: Chocolate Sugar Cookie
Day 5: Pecan Pie Cookies
Day 6: Chocolate Swirl Meringue
Day 7: Cinnamon Roll Cookie
Day 8: Spritz Cookie
Day 9: Hot Chocolate Cookie

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 9

When it's cold outside, there's nothing like a mug of hot chocolate.  And now, there's nothing like a hot chocolate cookie.

Hot Chocolate Cookie

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened

19.5 ounces semisweet chocolate

1 1/4 cups light brown sugar

3 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Roughly 30 marshmallows

Directions:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together butter and 12 ounces semisweet chocolate

Stir frequently until smooth, let cool for 15 minutes

Using an electric mixer, beat together butter, eggs and vanilla extract until smooth (about 2 minutes)

Pour in cooled chocolate mixture and mix

Slowly add in remaining dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt

Chill dough in refrigerator for an hour

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Line baking sheet with parchment paper

Scoop one tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball and place on sheet, flattening slightly

Bake 12 minutes

Cut remaining chocolate into 1-inch squares

Snip marshmallows in half, crosswise, and stick 1 square of chocolate onto the cut side

Remove cookies from the oven and top with the marshmallow and chocolate, chocolate side down

Bake another 4 minutes, or until marshmallows are soft

Transfer to rack to cool

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas?  Check them out here!

Day 1: Chocolate Crinkle Cookie

Day 2: Pecan Wedding Cookie

Day 3: Chocolate Swirl Cookie
Day 4: Chocolate Sugar Cookie
Day 5: Pecan Pie Cookies
Day 6: Chocolate Swirl Meringue
Day 7: Cinnamon Roll Cookie
Day 8: Spritz Cookie

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 8

We need to set some ground rules before we get to the recipe.  Spritz cookies are high-maintenance cookies.  They must be put on a chilled, ungreased baking sheet. Even though the cookie sheet needs to be chilled, the dough can't.

Spritz Cookies

Ingredients:

3 1/2 cups flour, sifted

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 cups butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

2 tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons almond extract

Sprinkles (optional)

Food coloring (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

With an electric mix, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy

Add egg and beat well

Mix in vanilla, milk and almond extract

Slowly add in flour and baking powder until well combined

Mix in food coloring (optional)

Fill cookie press with dough and desired disk

Press onto chilled, ungreased cookie sheet

If you want, top with sprinkles before baking

Bake for 8-10 minutes

Cool for 2 minutes on sheet before transferring to wire rack to cool

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas?  Check them out here!

Day 1: Chocolate Crinkle Cookie

Day 2: Pecan Wedding Cookie

Day 3: Chocolate Swirl Cookie
Day 4: Chocolate Sugar Cookie
Day 5: Pecan Pie Cookies
Day 6: Chocolate Swirl Meringue
Day 7: Cinnamon Roll Cookie

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 7

Welcome to the 7th day of the 12 Cookies of Christmas!  Today is also national "Bake Cookies Day".  Here's a little background: cookies first came to America in the 1600s.  They got their name from the Dutch who called them "koekje" which translates to little cake.  Over time, the name changed to cookies.

My family is a BIG fan of cinnamon rolls, so today's cookie has quickly become a favorite.

Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Ingredients:
For the cookies:
3/4 cup of butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 powdered sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling:
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk

For the cookies, cream together butter and both sugars until light and fluffy
Mix in eggs and vanilla
Slowly add in four, salt and baking powder
Mix until the flour is just incorporated and the dough is smooth and soft
Divide dough into thirds and chill in refrigerator for at least an hour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon
Working with one third at a time, roll out dough to about 10 inches by 5 inches
Gently spread butter on top of the dough and sprinkle with 1/3 of filling mix
Starting with the 10-inch edge, roll into a tight log
Slice the dough into roughly 1-inch slices and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, or greased
Bake for 9-11 minutes, cool for 1-2 minutes on pan then transfer to wire rack to cool

Prepare the glaze by mixing milk and powdered sugar together
If you like a thicker glaze, add less milk; for thinner, add more milk
Drizzle over cookies

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas?  Check them out here!

Day 1: Chocolate Crinkle Cookie

Day 2: Pecan Wedding Cookie

Day 3: Chocolate Swirl Cookie
Day 4: Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Day 5: Pecan Pie Cookies
Day 6: Chocolate Swirl Meringue 

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 6

It's hard to believe we're already to day 6!  Today's cookie is a tasty twist on a classic recipe.

Chocolate Swirl Meringue

Ingredients: 

Egg whites from 3 large eggs

3/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

4-6 oz chocolate, melted and cooled

Directions:

Preheat oven to 275 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper

In a mixer with whisk attachment, whip until soft peaks form

Slowly add in both sugars

Add in vanilla and vinegar and continue to mix

Drizzle chocolate on top of meringue (do NOT mix in), then spoon onto the parchment paper

Continue to do previous step until all the mixture is used

Bake for 40-50 minutes

Cool on a wire rack and store in airtight container

OPTIONAL: If you have remaining chocolate, dip the bottom of the meringue into it

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas?  Check them out here!

Day 1: Chocolate Crinkle Cookie

Day 2: Pecan Wedding Cookie

Day 3: Chocolate Swirl Cookie
Day 4: Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Day 5: Pecan Pie Cookies

12 Cookies of Christmas: Day 5

Are you a fan of pecan pie?  If so, then these cookies are for you!  It's like having your own mini-pie, but in cookie form!  I must admit, I did cheat and use a pre-made pie crust instead of making my own.  Using the pre-made crust makes this recipe a breeze!  But feel free to make a homemade crust.  Let me know if you do!

Pecan Pie Cookies

Ingredients:

1 prepared single pie crust

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup corn syrup

2 eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

In a pan on the stove, combine butter, pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup and eggs

Cook on medium-low until mixture thickens to the consistency of pecan pie filling

Remove from heat and set aside

Unroll pie crust and using a 3-inch cookie or biscuit cutter, cut out circles

Fold up the edges about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch

Place on parchment paper lined pan

Spoon 1 tablespoon of pecan pie mixture into each circle

Bake 8 minutes

Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack

Missed out on the other 12 Cookies of Christmas?  Check them out here!

Day 1: Chocolate Crinkle Cookie

Day 2: Pecan Wedding Cookie

Day 3: Chocolate Swirl Cookie
Day 4: Chocolate Sugar Cookies