The Cookie Swap - A Variety of Christmas Cookies in One Afternoon

The Cookie Swap - A Variety of Christmas Cookies in One Afternoon My daughter and I love baking so when the holidays come we find it quite fun to create a variety of cookies to have Christmas Day. We also love to give away as gifts to people that we are thankful for a package full Christmas Cookies.

A few years back my daughter and I baked and baked and then gave a variety of Christmas cookies to our friends. It took us several weeks to accomplish this task as we wanted the variety of cookies. We had poured over cookie recipes to decide which delicious cookies to make. We chose some favorite cookie recipes like a chocolate chip cookie recipe, our best sugar cookie, a peanut butter, a spritz, and a ginger cookie. We then looked at new ones as we wanted the top cookie recipes! We looked at other recipes for gingerbread, recipes for thumbprint cookies, a lemon cookie, a chocolate cookie recipe and you can't forget about oatmeal cookies. When all was said and done we really had some great Christmas cookie recipes. Then we compiled this huge shopping list for the ingredients they required. When we got all our materials together the baking began. This was going to take several weeks. So the Christmas Carols were on and the baking began. My daughter and I had a good time baking up her favorites a chocolate chip cookie recipe and the sugar cookies--best part was the cookie decorations. Now I did finish the baking of the rest by myself -Christmas music still going. However, the memories of the time we baked side by side with my daughter with our aprons dotted with flour was priceless. When they were all baked we gift wrapped them in pretty Christmas tins and it was gift giving time. Oh, don't get me wrong, we also had a nice tray of cookies left at home for our Christmas dinner. A common comment from the gift recipient was that they loved the cookies but wouldn't have done it themselves. It made me sad that the tradition of Christmas cookie baking had gotten lost with the heavy to-do lists. It got me thinking next year why don't I host a Christmas cookie exchange? We all just bake one type of cookie, bring them to a fun holiday party during the party we cookie swap and we leave happy with a variety of cookies. So my planning began! We all had such a great time. It is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and socialize with people you care about. Friends, neighbors and family gather together at your home, bringing their favorite baked cookies and cookie recipes. So a new Christmas tradition was born. You too can create Christmas Tradition and host a Cookie Swap. I hope our story stirs up a little curiosity about an old tradition brought back into light. Simply Invite your guests, eat and swap cookies and enjoy each other's company...isn't that what Christmas is about really? You may be saying, "I would love to create that Christmas Tradition, but how do you host a cookie swap?" Well, the good news is I have a great resource that will answer your question. It will take you step by step through the planning process, forms and checklists to keep you on track and ideas to keep a simple but fun Christmas Party. So you can start a tradition without a lot of fuss. It is " The Cookie Swap - Create a Christmas Tradition-One Cookie Recipe at a Time". Get yours here. The Cookie Swap - A Variety of Christmas Cookies in One Afternoon

Christmas Cookies Recipes - Chocolate Snowball Cookies

These yummy cookies feature chocolate chips and nuts.

3/4 cup butter, softened

Cookie Recipes

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped nuts

1 cup chocolate chips

Confectioners' sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla; mix well.

In someone else bowl, integrate the flour and salt; stir into creamed mixture.

Fold in the nuts and chips. Roll into 1-inch balls.

Place onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool slightly, then roll in confectioners' sugar.

Makes 48 cookies.

=> Christmas Cookies Recipes: Cranberry Crispy Cookies

Using quick bread mix makes these cookies a cinch to prepare.

1 (15.6 oz.) pkg. Cranberry quick bread mix

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped

1 egg

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, integrate the bread mix, butter, walnuts and egg; mix well. Stir in the cranberries. Roll into 1 1/4-inch balls.

Place cookies 3-inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown. Let cool.

Makes 30 cookies.

=> Christmas Cookies Recipes: Frosted Ginger Cream Cookies

An old-fashioned style cookie topped with creamy frosting.

1/4 cup shortening

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1/3 cup molasses

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/3 cup water

Cookie Frosting

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Prepare baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Beat in the egg and molasses.

In someone else bowl, integrate the flour, ginger, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and cloves; gradually add to creamed mixture, alternating with water (dough will be soft).

Drop heaping teaspoonfuls 2-inches apart onto ready baking sheets. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes or until tops are cracked. Let cool. Frost with Cookie Frosting.

Cookie Frosting

1 1/2 ounces of cream cheese, softened

3 tablespoons butter, softened

1 cup plus 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Directions

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla and sufficient lemon juice to create a spreadable consistency. Frost cookies.

Makes 48 cookies.

Christmas Cookies Recipes - Chocolate Snowball Cookies

Most favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars

These impressive finding cookies will make a splash at any gathering.

2 cups all purpose flour

Cookie Recipes

2 cups quick cooking oats

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/4 cups butter, softened

1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

3/4 teaspoon shortening

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, consolidate the flour, oats, sugar and butter until crumbly. Set aside 1 1/2 cups for topping. Press the remaining crumb blend into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges begin to brown.

In an additional one bowl, consolidate the pie filling and extract; thought about spread over the crust. Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges of the topping are lightly browned.

In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over warm bars. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

Makes 36 bar cookies.

=> Most beloved Christmas Cookie Recipes: Heavenly Caramel Cookies

A yummy cookie featuring spices, nuts, coconut and marshmallows.

12 graham crackers

2 cups small marshmallows

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup flaked coconut

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil.

Place graham crackers inside the pan; cover with marshmallows.

In a saucepan, cook and stir butter, brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in the vanilla. Spoon over the marshmallows.

Sprinkle with almonds and coconut. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until browned. Cool completely. Cut into 2-inch squares, then cut each quadrate in half to form triangles.

Makes 72 cookies.

=> Most beloved Christmas Cookie Recipes: Minty Meringue Drop Cookies

These light as air cookies are excellent for the holidays.

2 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

3/4 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 to 6 drops green food coloring, optional

1 pkg. Mint chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat 250 degrees.

Lightly grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper; set aside.

In a large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar, beating until soft peaks form. Gently beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form. Beat in the vanilla and food coloring. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2-inches apart onto ready baking sheets. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until dry to the touch. Cool.

Makes 30 cookies.

Note: If you cannot find mint chocolate chips, place 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint passage inside a plastic bag. Seal the bag and toss chips until coated. Let chips sit for 24 to 48 hours before using.

Most favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars

Unusual Christmas Cookie Recipes - Cherry Snowball Cookies

These pretty cookies have a surprise cherry in the middle.

1 cup butter, softened

Cookie Recipes

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1 tablespoon water

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup quick cooking oats

1/2 teaspoon salt

36 maraschino cherries, well drained

Glaze Coating

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, cream the butter, sugar, water and vanilla.

In another bowl, concentrate the flour, oats and salt; moderately add to the creamed mixture.

Shape a tablespoonful of dough colse to each cherry to form a ball. Place 2-inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until bottoms are browned. Let cool.

Glaze Coating

2 cups confectioners' sugar

1/4 to 1/3 cup milk

2 cups flaked coconut, finely chopped

Directions

In a bowl, concentrate sugar and enough milk to make a flat dipping consistency. Dip cookies into glaze, then roll into coconut.

Makes 36 cookies.

=> Unusual Christmas Cookie Recipes: Spumoni Cookies

The beloved Italian ice cream treat becomes a delicious cookie.

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 squares semisweet chocolate, melted

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

3 to 5 drops green food coloring

1/4 cup candied red cherries, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

3 to 5 drops red food coloring

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg and vanilla. moderately add in the flour and mix well.

Divide the dough into three sections.

Stir chocolate into one section; mix well.

Add pecans and green food coloring to the second portion

Add cherries, almond excerpt and red food coloring to the third section.

Roll each section between two pieces of waxed paper into 8x6-inch rectangles. Remove the waxed paper.

Place the chocolate rectangle on a piece of plastic wrap. Top with the green and pink rectangles; press together lightly. Wrap with plastic wrap and chill overnight.

Cut the chilled dough in half lengthwise. Return one half to the refrigerator.

Cut the remaining rectangle into 1/8-inch slices. Place 1-inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until set. Cool. Repeat with remaining dough.

Makes 84 cookies.

=> Unusual Christmas Cookie Recipes: Chocolate Dipped Spritz Cookies

These classy cookies are dipped in chocolate and decorated with nuts and sprinkles.

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

11 ounces dark, white or milk chocolate candy coating

Chopped walnuts and/or colored sprinkles

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg and vanilla.

In another bowl, concentrate the flour, salt and baking powder; moderately add to the creamed mixture.

Using a cookie press fitted with your selection of disk, press the dough 2-inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, or until set (do not allow cookies to brown). Let cool.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt the candy coating; dip each cookie halfway into coating. Sprinkle with nuts or colored sprinkles. Place on waxed paper until set.

Makes 72 cookies.

Unusual Christmas Cookie Recipes - Cherry Snowball Cookies

The Cookie Swap - A variety of Christmas Cookies in One Afternoon

My daughter and I love baking so when the holidays come we find it quite fun to create a range of cookies to have Christmas Day. We also love to give away as gifts to habitancy that we are thankful for a package full Christmas Cookies.

A few years back my daughter and I baked and baked and then gave a range of Christmas cookies to our friends. It took us any weeks to accomplish this task as we wanted the range of cookies. We had poured over cookie recipes to decree which tasty cookies to make. We chose some beloved cookie recipes like a chocolate chip cookie recipe, our best sugar cookie, a peanut butter, a spritz, and a ginger cookie. We then looked at new ones as we wanted the top cookie recipes! We looked at other recipes for gingerbread, recipes for thumbprint cookies, a lemon cookie, a chocolate cookie formula and you can't forget about oatmeal cookies. When all was said and done we legitimately had some great Christmas cookie recipes.

Cookie Recipes

Then we compiled this huge shopping list for the ingredients they required. When we got all our materials together the baking began. This was going to take any weeks. So the Christmas Carols were on and the baking began. My daughter and I had a good time baking up her favorites a chocolate chip cookie formula and the sugar cookies--best part was the cookie decorations. Now I did quit the baking of the rest by myself -Christmas music still going. However, the memories of the time we baked side by side with my daughter with our aprons dotted with flour was priceless.

When they were all baked we gift wrapped them in pretty Christmas tins and it was gift giving time. Oh, don't get me wrong, we also had a nice tray of cookies left at home for our Christmas dinner.

A base annotation from the gift recipient was that they loved the cookies but wouldn't have done it themselves. It made me sad that the tradition of Christmas cookie baking had gotten lost with the heavy to-do lists. It got me reasoning next year why don't I host a Christmas cookie exchange? We all just bake one type of cookie, bring them to a fun holiday party during the party we cookie swap and we leave happy with a range of cookies. So my planning began! We all had such a great time.

It is a great way to get into the holiday spirit and socialize with habitancy you care about. Friends, neighbors and house acquire together at your home, bringing their beloved baked cookies and cookie recipes. So a new Christmas tradition was born.

You too can create Christmas Tradition and host a Cookie Swap. I hope our story stirs up a microscopic curiosity about an old tradition brought back into light. Simply request your guests, eat and swap cookies and enjoy each other's company...isn't that what Christmas is about really?

You may be saying, "I would love to create that Christmas Tradition, but how do you host a cookie swap?" Well, the good news is I have a great resource that will write back your question. It will take you step by step through the planning process, forms and checklists to keep you on track and ideas to keep a simple but fun Christmas Party.

So you can start a tradition without a lot of fuss. It is " The Cookie Swap - create a Christmas Tradition-One Cookie formula at a Time". Get yours here.

The Cookie Swap - A variety of Christmas Cookies in One Afternoon

Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars

These impressive looking cookies will make a splash at any gathering.

2 cups all purpose flour

Cookie Recipes

2 cups quick cooking oats

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/4 cups butter, softened

1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

3/4 teaspoon shortening

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar and butter until crumbly. Set aside 1 1/2 cups for topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture into an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges begin to brown.

In another bowl, combine the pie filling and extract; carefully spread over the crust. Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges of the topping are lightly browned.

In a microwave or heavy saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over warm bars. Cool completely. Cut into bars.

Makes 36 bar cookies.

=> Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes: Heavenly Caramel Cookies

A delicious cookie featuring spices, nuts, coconut and marshmallows.

12 graham crackers

2 cups miniature marshmallows

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sliced almonds

1 cup flaked coconut

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with foil.

Place graham crackers inside the pan; cover with marshmallows.

In a saucepan, cook and stir butter, brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in the vanilla. Spoon over the marshmallows.

Sprinkle with almonds and coconut. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until browned. Cool completely. Cut into 2-inch squares, then cut each square in half to form triangles.

Makes 72 cookies.

=> Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes: Minty Meringue Drop Cookies

These light as air cookies are perfect for the holidays.

2 egg whites

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

3/4 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 to 6 drops green food coloring, optional

1 pkg. mint chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat 250 degrees.

Lightly grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper; set aside.

In a large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar, beating until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form. Beat in the vanilla and food coloring. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2-inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until dry to the touch. Cool.

Makes 30 cookies.

Note: If you cannot find mint chocolate chips, place 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract inside a plastic bag. Seal the bag and toss chips until coated. Let chips sit for 24 to 48 hours before using.

Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes - Chocolate Drizzled Cherry Bars

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Christmas Cookie Recipes - Santa Face Cookies

Santa Claus pays a visit to your table in these delightfully cute cookies.

1 cup butter

Sugar Free Cookie Recipes

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups flour plus additional for rolling

Royal Packaged Icing Mix

Red food coloring

Pastel candy dots

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Place butter in a bowl and cream until nice and fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the milk and vanilla. Add in flour; mix thoroughly. Chill dough for 1 to 2 hours or until it is easy to handle.

Work with 1/3 of the dough at a time and leave rest in the refrigerator until ready to use.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Take a Santa shaped cookie cutter and dip it into flour, then cut out Santa faces. Place cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until just golden brown. Let cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Remove from cookie sheet and cool completely.

Prepare the royal icing according to package directions. Color half the icing red and leave the other half the original color. Using a icing bag or plastic bag with a hole cut in it, pipe a red Santa hat on each cookie. Follow up with white icing for Santa's beard, eyes and hat pompom.

Place a candy decoration in the center of each white eye. Allow icing to set before serving.

Makes 18 to 24 cookies.

=> Christmas Cookie Recipes: Easy Snowmen Cookies

These snowmen are easy to make and they make nice centerpiece decorations.

1 (16 oz.) package Nutter Butter Cookies

1 1/4 pounds white candy coating, melted

Miniature chocolate chips

M&M miniature baking bits

Pretzel sticks, halved

Orange and red decorating gel or frosting

Directions

Using tongs, dip cookies in candy coating; shake off excess. Place cookie on waxed paper.

To decorate: Place two chocolate chips on one end of cookies for eyes. Place baking bits down middle for buttons. For arms, dip ends of two pretzel stick halves into coating; attach one to each side.

Let stand until hardened. Pipe nose and scarf with gel or frosting.

Makes 32 cookies.

=> Christmas Cookie Recipes: Peppermint Twist Kiss Cookies

The peppermint twist isn't just a song, but a delicioius holiday cookie that is colorful and festive.

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/3 cup sugar

1 egg yolk

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 to 8 drops red food coloring

36 chocolate kisses

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and the sugar. Add in the egg yolk, peppermint extract and vanilla extract; mix well.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture.

Divide the dough into two sections. Tint one section red. Divide the dough into four sections. You should have two red sections and two regular sections. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Shape each section into a 9-inch log. Place one plain log next to one red log. Gently twist the plain and red logs together and create one swirled log. Repeat with the other two logs.

Cut each log into nine slices; roll each slice into a ball. Place each slice 1-inch apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a glass.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Press a chocolate kiss candy piece into each cookie center, while cookies are still warm. Let cool.

Makes 36 cookies.

Christmas Cookie Recipes - Santa Face Cookies

Clueless about what gift to give that special person? Stop on by and browse our great gift ideas selection for some suggestions. [http://www.1MinuteSolutions.com]