Christmas my favorite time of the year for so many reasons but I have to say being able to make tones of different cookies and treats and no one thinks you are being “too much” is the best!
When I think about traditions at Christmas time making cookies is always a fond memory. I think about helping making them with my family and the cookies that my Nan’s made every year. Now that I have my own family I love that I can pass that tradition along . However having a family of 6 everyone has their own favorite and wow is that a lot of cookies! In this blog I want to share our families favorite Christmas Cookies and tips on how to help you not spend all of December in the kitchen.
Christmas Cookie Tips
You need to decide on what cookies you will be making
I grew up with the good old chocolate chip cookies, sugar cookies and peanut butter blossoms. But now with Pinterest and the ability to have thousands of cookie recipes at your finger tips the options are endless. Below are a list of our favorites we make every year and a link to my Pinterest page with all the favorite cookies pined.
Vail Family Favorite Cookies
- Coffee Toffee Cookies
- Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Oreo Peppermint Crunch Cookies
- Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
- Oreo Bark
Must have Baking Tools
Most of us probable have everything we need to make a batch of cookies but I wanted to share the items that help make our baking day run smoothly.
Mixer, At least 4 baking sheets, silicone baking mats, silicon spatulas, cooling racks, measuring spoons and mixing bowls and freezer bags.
Tips to help make your baking experience less stressful
Years ago I used to spend every weekend in December in the kitchen making a different type of cookie. Let’s be honest we do not have time for that durning this time of year. My wonderful and amazing friend Nikki (who is the most amazing and creative baker) suggested I make all the dough in one day and freeze most of the dough. Such a simple and great idea. It not only helps me take up just day of the month but now we a fresh variety of cookies each week.
My other tip is to start buying your cookies supplies early. When I see the chocolate chips BOGO grab them. When they stock those specialty cookie ingredients in October grab them. Too many times I need one item and cant find it because it’s sold out.
Also have fun with the recipes. I change, add and take away ingredients. The coffee toffee cookies I switch the chocolate covered espresso beans for instant espresso and we like them even more.
No matter what type of Christmas cookie you decide to make, the process of baking and decorating them can be a fun event. It is a great way to spend time with family and friends during the holiday season, and the end result is a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy.
So what delicious Christmas cookies and treats will you be making this year?
For more ideas and inspiration from M4 Designs, check out these recent posts: