The 12 Cookies of Christmas

We've got a new holiday tradition in the works - the 12 Cookies of Christmas! The challenge...bake 12 different cookies before Christmas. The prize...mountains of delicious cookies.

I wanted a fun mix of family favorites and new recipes. And of course, a variety of cookie types - drop, slice-n-bake, sandwiches, cut-outs - the works! I'm not going to lie, I spent far too much time fretting about this year's cookie compilation. I wanted to ensure anyone and everyone could find a favorite treat on my dessert tray. After much deliberation, I give you, the 12 Cookies of Christmas.

1. Chewy Ginger Cookies

Chewy Ginger Cookies

For my husband, this is THE Christmas cookie. While his grandmother wasn't a particularly good cook, we happened to inherit this dynamite cookie recipe from her - it's a Christmas miracle! Most ginger cookies are just too snappy for my liking. This recipe, however, is soft and chewy! The depth of molasses and mix of spices makes for a perfectly balance cookie. On the plus side, it couldn't be easier to make. Simply blend the ingredients into a thick dough, chill and drop onto pans! I like to keep the dough on hand in the freezer to bake-off at a moment's notice if friends or family drop in.

2. Christmas Sugar Cookies

Christmas Sugar Cookies

A holiday classic - cute little sugar cookie shapes artfully iced. Of course, you never had a real childhood unless you'v played with Christmas cookie cutters. Though I must admit, I'd never tried messing around with royal icing. It has always just seemed so intimidating! Of course, it's not much more than powdered sugar and milk. Though I always seem to add far too much milk and all of a sudden a thick, shiny glaze icing turns into a runny glaze. These cookies are for the faint of heart - they require precision and patience. But let me tell you, they are flavorful and gorgeous! 

3.  Sugar Plums

Sugar Plums

These cookies always made an appearance on my grandmother's Christmas table. As a kid, they weren't always the most interesting. But this year, I think I've rediscovered these cookies! The cookie itself is tender and moist, and the plum butter is sweet and citrus-y. My grandmother used to make these quite a bite larger. I figured a little bit-sized cookie makes for the perfect addition to the Christmas cookie platter - cause let's face it, you want an excuse to try multiple cookies!

4. Chocolate Cherry Pecan Cookies

Chocolate Cherry Pecan Cookies

Oatmeal is such an underrated cookie! The oats keep the cookies moist and chewy. I knew I needed to include oatmeal in my challenge, but I didn't want the stereotypical Oatmeal Raisin. Nope! I was inspired by the season and decided tart cherries, rich chocolate, and nutty pecans was the way to go! And while cinnamon is a traditional add to oatmeal cookies, I thought I'd sprinkle in some nutmeg as well. To quote Rachel Ray, "it just makes people go hmm, what is that?" I also enjoyed the versatility of this recipe. Simply pick your poison! If you enjoy thin and crisp cookies, simply make and bake. But if thick and chewy is more your speed, chill the dough for a few hours and drop on pans.

5. Spumoni Bars

Spumoni Bars

Spumoni bars are my all time, childhood favorite! My husband doesn't necessarily get it the same way I do, but hey, that's why I'm made 12 different cookies, right? My Italian grandmother would make boxes of these babies and mail them just in time for Christmas. Spumoni is typically a layer of chocolate, cherry and pistachio. Most are probably accustomed to enjoying this as an ice cream flavor, but why not cram all these delightful flavors into a cookie? It's a bit tricky getting the all the layers perfectly even, but at least folks will know they're homemade! 

6. Chocolate Oranges

Chocolate Oranges

Ever had one of those chocolate oranges? You know, those citrus-flavored chocolate balls folks tend to break out around the holidays. Something about chocolate and orange just seems to scream "Holidays!" This flavor combination inspired the cookie recipe. Shortbread is infused with orange zest and then dipped in melted dark chocolate. But rather than just bake bars or disks, I thought it might be fun to bake wedges of shortbread to mimic orange segments. Not the Taj Mahal, but I'm pretty proud of this accomplishment all the same!

Estrella Navidads

7.  Estrella Navidads

A friend of mine was kind enough to share one of his family traditions with me! Hojarascas are evidently a Mexican cinnamon sugar cookie traditionally made during the Fall months. So I figured, punch a star and rebrand the recipe, and you've got a Christmas tradition! The cookie is somewhat shortbread-esque, but a bit more crumbly in a delightful way. After pulling them out of the oven, the cookies are tossed in cinnamon sugar, just like a churro! 

8. Chocolate Pizzelles

Orange Ricotta Cookies

I must admit, I'm not sure I had ever fully grasped the appeal of a good pizzelle. But something about this cookie is just rockin' my world this Christmas! When prepared correctly, the cookies are thin and crisp. The almond extract truly elevates the otherwise flat cocoa flavor. Not overly sweet by any means. But just perfect alongside a cup of tea of coffee. I served these alongside a holiday brunch, and they were scarfed up! Admittedly, you'll need to invest in a pizzelle iron. A uni-tasker for sure, but I'd call that money well spent!

9. Orange Ricotta Cookies

Ricotta cookies are a favorite of mine around the holidays. The cheese keeps the cookies fluffy and almost cake like. I particularly enjoy these cookies because of the icing. While you could stick to a basic vanilla flavor profile, I find the addition of orange or lemon zest and juice really puts these cookies over the top! As far as decorations go, you could color the icings or simply top with festive sprinkles just as I've done!

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Macarons

10. Peppermint Hot Cocoa Macarons

It simply wouldn't be a cookie challenge without a macaron recipe! These Christmas cocoa cookies called for not one but two delightful fillings! I got a little help from the store and picked up some good, ol' fashion marshmallow fluff. For the second filling I made a minty, chocolate ganache. I must admit, my first attempt was a bit sloppy - I got a little over zealous with the fluff and the shells went slidin'! So proceed with caution and a delicate hand. But the flavors are simply spot on! 

White Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti

11.  White Chocolate Cranberry Biscotti

Biscotti aren't difficult, but they are a bit time consuming. That being the case, I typically wait until the holidays to pull out this recipe. The almond-flavored biscotti are studded with dried cranberries and white chocolate. Perhaps a bit to crunchy to eat alone, so I always enjoy these with a steaming cup of coffee. In my opinion, these are the BEST excuse to eat a cookie for breakfast!

12. Peanut Butter Crinkles

Peanut Butter Crinkles

When taking a vote among family, there was a consensus - peanut butter cookies had to hit the table! Typically, I really enjoy swirling peanut butter into a oatmeal cookie batter, but I felt a bit inspired by the wintry weather. I wanted to craft a perfectly chewy cookie made to look icy and snowy. Granted, we don't see much snow here, but I suppose I'd rather see ice in a cookie than on the road. So I tossed peanut butter dough in powdered sugar, and voila, Peanut Butter Crinkles! 

There you have it folks! Twelve recipes, umpteen cookies, and one Christmas season. Granted, I've had to up the weekly work-outs to avoid the add cookie-pounds, but I'd say this was time (and calories) well spent!