It never feels completely like Christmas until the Christmas cookies are made. When Marc and I were very little, mom began the tradition of these special, homemade sugar cookies. We would decorate them for hours and then mom would make goodie boxes up with them and all the other yummy things that she baked. Then we would take them to friends and neighbors. Once Marc and I became teenagers, the tradition evolved into having our friends over for a Cookie Decorating Party and whatever they decorated, they got to take home to their families.
As I have posted our cookie pictures on Facebook this year, I have created a huge stir because many of my friends have sat around the table and helped to decorate these cookies. They have created great memories.
So - here is the recipe, along with another favorite, my sweet friends! I hope you enjoy them and can begin to make your own memories!
Mom's Famous Christmas Cookies
3 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup soft butter
1 egg - slightly beaten
3 T cream (evaporated milk)
1 tsp. almond
Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Add soft butter. Cream together until fine particles. Add egg, cream and almond. Blend thoroughly. Chill dough overnight - I wrap it in wax paper.
I make 3 or more batches - but it will depend on how many you want - how big your cutters are, etc.
Roll out on floured surface 1/3 at a time to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into shapes
This is where the fun part begins! I do this the day before we decorate and Sam comes over to help me bake. I do the cutting and she mans the oven! It goes so much easier when I'm up to my elbows in flour! She takes care of all the baking and running the cookie sheets back and forth. That way I don't have to stop a million times! It's awesome! And we have a great time!
Bake on ungreased cookie sheets at 400 for 5 - 8 minutes or until slightly golden. Watch carefully! If the cookie is too soft - it's hard to decorate - they will break in your hand. If you over bake they will be hard and brown - not as pretty. Sam has it down great!!!!
I did 3 batches this year
Decorate as desired!
Mom's Frosting Recipe(I use this recipe for EVERYTHING - cakes, cookies - you name it!)
1 stick butter (margarine)
Same amount Crisco
1 32 oz bag powdered sugar
1 tsp ALMOND - that's the big secret guys! Now you know!
Milk
Mix first 4 ingredients and add milk slowly to get the consistency you want.
Add food coloring - we have cake decorating bags/tips that we use.
Have Fun!!!!!
Now on to the next favorite! Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - LOOK OUT!!!! As long as no one has a peanut allergy - I guarantee these to be an absolute HIT!!!!
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls
I double this recipe! Just sayin'.......
1 1/4 box powdered sugar
2 sticks butter (margarine)
1 cup peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 packages (12 oz) German Sweet Chocolate
1/2 block Paraffin (Gulf Wax)
Mix powdered sugar, butter, peanut butter and vanilla and chill. (mixture should be crumbly - if it's not cold enough, the balls will not hold together in the hot chocolate)Roll into 1 inch balls - using a toothpick dip into the melted chocolate mixture (above) - You can use a double boiler or I like to melt it in my crock pot! (Great cooking tip from my Aunt Melva!)
Just a note - I've experimented with several different chocolates over the years. Never should have left the recipe! The German Sweet Chocolate (Baker's Chocolate - green box) is the absolute best! The Gulf Wax is also a must. Otherwise the chocolate is too thick to use for dipping.
Place on Wax paper. I stick them in the freezer for a few minutes to let them set and then keep them in a bowl in the fridge! Watch out! They will disappear!!!!!
And then - this is what I do with the left over chocolate - plus a package of Almond bark!
Yummmmmm!
Please enjoy!!!!
Merry Christmas!!!!
