Baking Gingerbread Cookies with Brea & Rory

I already had the dough in my freezer...you really didn't expect pics of me making the dough with a 5yo & 3yo helping, did you???



My 2 little helpers Brea & Rory...yes, that is chocolate all over their faces. They got into their nana's dirt cake, lol.



Yes, I only made 6. One each for Brea & Rory now, and then one for each of them tonight after dinner. It doesn't matter how many I make, they'll eat them all.




Here they are fresh out of the oven. I put them in the freezer for a few minutes to cool them down enough to frost.



Here they are decorated by my girls....with a little help ;)

Gift Baskets for Women family/friends

I am making baskets this year. I am going to have hot chocolate mix and cookie mix, along with a mug full of assorted Hershey's kisses, a pot holder and a PC measure all. I'm giving these to the women in my family and my friends. I'm not going overboard this year (budget wise), b/c my goals are 1. new house (was hoping by end of year, maybe now another year?) and 2. family vacation.



Candy Cane Hot Chocolate Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup baking cocoa
2 Tablespoons baking cocoa
1 1/2 cups nondairy creamer, fat-free
20 peppermints -- broken up
miniature marshmallows

In a one-quart wide-mouth jar, layer powdered sugar, then cocoa, packing each layer as tightly as possible.

Wipe the inside of the jar with a paper towel to remove any excess cocoa before adding the next layer.

Add nondairy creamer to jar, packing tightly.

Add peppermint pieces. Fill any remaining space in top of jar with a layer of miniature marshmallows; secure lid.

Directions: Empty jar into a large mixing bowl; blend well. Spoon mixture back into jar. To serve, add 3/4 cup boiling water to 1/4 cup cocoa mixture; stir to blend.

Crispy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 48
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup Rice Krispies®
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

In a wide mouth quart jar, layer sugar, brown sugar, cooking oats, cereal and chocolate; pressing firmly after each addition.

Combine flour, salt and baking powder together, mixing well. Add to top of jar.

Attach directions:
1 jar Crispy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix jar of ingredients with butter, egg and vanilla; blend well.
Shape into 1" balls. Place 2" apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 minutes.

Yield:
"4 dozen"

OOPS!!!

Forgot to give you my recipe for butter cookies.

We'll be using fall/halloween cookie cutters, and I may buy some already made frosting for the kids to decorate them (I already have fall sprinkles).

I don't want to make any more mess than we already will by making frosting, too, lol.


Butter Cookies

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 400°.

Combine butter, sugar, egg yolks and vanilla together; add flour, mixing by hand.

Spoon mixture into a cookie press; press onto an ungreased baking sheet using the desired discs.

Bake for 7-10 minutes.

Yields: 4 dozen

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 145 Calories; 8g Fat (52.2% calories from fat); 2g Protein; 16g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 47mg Cholesterol; 2mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : Add green dye, use the tree disc and put a tiny red cinnamon candy at top of the tree for Christmas trees.

For reindeer: use deer disc & use red cinnamon candy for nose.

Christmas Baking!!!

This week starts my cookie baking :o) I will be making fall & halloween cookies for the kids to decorate and eat, so they leave my Christmas cookies alone :o)

So, it's decorated butter cookies for them, and Moravian Sugar Cookies for the freezer :o) Now, I just have to hide them well enough so that dh doesn't find them :o)

Guess this means I need to do 3 things........1. get rid of this migraine, 2. make sure I have plenty of freezer space, 3. (ugh) clean of the DR table.


Moravian Sugar Cookies

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 60
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 Tablespoons buttermilk
4 cups all-purpose flour

Cream butter and shortening with sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, vanilla and salt; mix well.

In a small cup, add baking soda to the buttermilk. Let sit one minute, then add to the sugar mixture. Add flour; mix well. Divide dough in half and chill up to 2 hours.

On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8" thickness and use 2" floured cookie cutters to cut dough.

Preheat oven to 375°.

Bake 5-7 minutes or until firm. DO NOT overbake!

Yields: 5 dozen

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 89 Calories; 3g Fat (35.3% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 13g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 11mg Cholesterol; 20mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : Easily doubled or tripled. They freeze well.

Christmas Cookies

here are a few I will be making this year:

1. Angel Macaroons
2. Cherry Pecan Cookies
3. Chocolate Macaroons
4. Coconut Joys
5. Coffee Hermits
6. French Chocolate Balls
7. Fruitcake Cookies
8. Gingerbread Men with Powdered Sugar Frosting
9. Moravian Sugar Cookies
10. Scottish Shortbread
11. Walnut-Oatmeal Cookie Mix (cookies, plus the mix as gifts)

Angel Macaroons

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease cookie sheets well.

Combine all ingredients; mix well.

Drop by teaspoonfuls 1" apart on cookie sheets.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Transfer to cooling racks.

Yields: 2 dozen

Cherry Pecan Cookies
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 96
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup water
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
2 cups maraschino cherries -- sliced

Mix all ingredients together. Chill at least one hour.

Preheat oven to 400°.

Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes.

Yields: 8 dozen

Chocolate Macaroons

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 square semisweet chocolate -- melted

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease cookie sheets well.

Combine all ingredients; mix well.

Drop by teaspoonfuls 1" apart on cookie sheets.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from cookei sheet. Transfer to cooling racks.

Yields: 2 dozen

Coconut Joys
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- melted
2 cups powdered sugar
3 cups flaked coconut
2 squares milk chocolate -- melted
finely chopped nuts -- for garnish

Add powdered sugar and coconut to melted butter; mix well.

Shape rounded teaspoonfuls into balls. Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then make indentations in the center of each ball.

Fill indentations on each with melted chocolate; sprinkle nuts over chocolate, if desired.

Chill 3 hours or until firm.

Yields: 3 dozen

Coffee Hermits
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 60
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 Tablespoons water
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly grease baking sheets.

Combine shortening and brown sugar; blend in egg. Add water; set aside.

Combine flour, coffee granules, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg; mix into sugar mixture.

Fold in remaining ingredients; drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough about 2" apart on baking sheets.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Yields: 5 dozen

French Chocolate Balls

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 48
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/3 cups almonds -- finely ground
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate -- grated
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
powdered sugar -- sifted

Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add remaining ingredients; beat well.

Pat dough into a ball; chill for one hour.

Shape dough into small 1" balls. Preheat oven to 475°.

Roll each ball in powdered sugar. Place on parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Bake for 3 minutes, or until they've formed a light crust.

Allow to cool 10 minutes on baking sheet; transfer to cooling racks.

Yields: 4 dozen


Fruitcake Cookies

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 192
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter -- melted
3 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
7 cups chopped nuts
1/2 cup milk
12 ounces candied pineapple
8 ounces candied red cherries
8 ounces candied green cherries
16 ounces dates
15 ounces golden raisins

Preheat oven to 300°. Grease baking sheets very well.

Combine brown sugar and butter. Add eggs, one at a time, stirring after each addition.

Combine dry ingredients alternately with milk into butter mixture.

Stir fruit and nuts into dough (use your hands to mix, dough will be VERY stiff).

Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto well-greased baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes.

Yields: 16 dozen

Gingerbread Men with Powdered Sugar Frosting

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
Cookies:
1/2 cup shortening
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour -- divided
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
M&Ms® plain chocolate candies
Frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon milk

Beat shortening until softened. Add about 1 1/4 cups flour and sugar, molasses, egg, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Beat until thoroughly combined.

Stir in remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover dough and chill for 3 hours or until easily handled.

Preheat oven to 375°. Roll each half of dough to a 1/8-1/4" thickness. Cut out 4 1/2" cookies with floured gingerbread man cutter. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 7-8 minutes or until edges are firm.

Frosting: Combine all ingredients, stirring until smooth. Transfer frosting to a pastry bag filled with a small round tip. Pipe frosting onto cookies. Decorate with M&M's.

Yields: 2 dozen

Moravian Sugar Cookies

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 60
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 Tablespoons buttermilk
4 cups all-purpose flour

Cream butter and shortening with sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, vanilla and salt; mix well.

In a small cup, add baking soda to the buttermilk. Let sit one minute, then add to the sugar mixture. Add flour; mix well. Divide dough in half and chill up to 2 hours.

On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8" thickness and use 2" floured cookie cutters to cut dough.

Preheat oven to 375°.

Bake 5-7 minutes or until firm. DO NOT overbake!

Yields: 5 dozen

NOTES : Easily doubled or tripled. They freeze well.


Scottish Shortbread

Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Beat together butter, sugar and vanilla until well blended.

Add flour, 1 cup at a time to butter mixture.

Preheat oven to 325°.

On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-1/2" thick.

With a sharp knife, cut dough into 2" squares (or cut into rounds with floured cookie cutter).

Place on ungreased baking sheet; prick top of cookies with fork. Bake 25-30 minutes until bottoms are golden brown and tops are light in color.

Cool on wire racks.

Store in airtight containers.


Walnut-Oatmeal Cookie Mix

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 1/4 cups quick cooking oats -- uncooked
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

4" diameter X 7 1/8" High empty oatmeal box with lid

Combine all ingredients. Place in decorated oatmeal box. Attach instructions.

Instructions:
-Place mix in a large bowl. Preheat oven to 350°.
-Stir in 1 cup softened, unsalted butter, one egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
-Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.
-Bake for 10 minutes; cool.

Yields: 3 dozen

Tonight's dinner

Beef & Noodle Skillet, Veg-all, salad, bread sticks, oatmeal cookies, milk.



Beef & Noodle Skillet

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 4
Categories : Main Dishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pound ground beef -- browned and drained
2 cans beef broth
8 ounces elbow macaroni
16 ounces Velveeta
1 cup salsa

Place beef in a 12" skillet; add broth.

Heat to boiling; stir in macaroni.

Boil until macaroni is tender; reduce heat and mix in cheese and salsa.

Heat through, stirring occasionally.

Breadsticks

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size: 32-48 breadsticks
Categories : Breads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour -- divided
2 packages active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups warm water
cornmeal
1 egg white -- slightly beaten
1 Tablespoon water

In large mixer bowl combine 2 cups of the flour, the yeast, and salt. Add 2 cups warm water. Beat at low speed of electric mixer for 1/2 minute, scraping bowl constantly. Beat 3 minutes at high speed. Stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can mix in with a spoon. Turn out onto lightly floured surface.

Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (8 to 10 minutes total). Shape into a ball. Place in lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface. Cover; let rise in warm place until double (1 to 1 1/2 hours). Punch down; turn out onto lightly floured surface. Divide in half.

Cut each half of dough into 16 or 24 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope 8 inches long. Place on greased baking sheet. Cover; let rise until nearly double (about 30 minutes). Preheat oven to 375°. If desired, brush with egg white mixture and sprinkle with coarse salt or sesame seed. Bake for 10 minutes; reduce temperature to 300° and bake for 20 to 25 minutes longer. Makes 32 or 48 breadsticks.

Freeze in packs of 6.

Crisp Oatmeal Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 60
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup flaked coconut
2 1/2 cups Rice Krispies®

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cream together butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs, blending well, then vanilla.

Sift together flour, baking powder and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture; mixing well. Stir in the oats, coconut and cereal.

Drop by teaspoons about 2" apart on greased baking sheets. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until done. Remove from sheets and cool on racks.

Yield: 5 dozen

Freeze by the dozen.

Chocolate Caramel Thumbprints

Chocolate Caramel Thumbprints

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 30
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg -- separated
2 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans -- finely chopped
Filling:
14 caramel candies -- unwrapped
3 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon shortening

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and suar. Beat in egg yolk, milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa and salt; add to the creamed mixture. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease baking sheets.

Roll into 1" balls. Beat egg white. Dip balls into egg white and coat with nuts. Place 2" apart on greased baking sheets.

Using end of a wooden spoon handle, make a 3/8-1/2" indentation in the center of each ball.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool.

In a heavy saucepan, melt caramels with cream over low heat; stir until smooth. Using about 1/2 tsp. caramel mixture, fill each cookie.

In microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening. Drizzle over cookies.

Cranberry Chip Cookies

Cranberry Chip Cookies

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 72
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
9 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries -- 9 ounces
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup toffee bits -- or almond brickle chips

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add yolks and vanilla; mix well.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.

Stir in the chocolate chips, cranberries, pecans and toffee bits (dough will be stiff).

Drop by rounded Tablespoonfuls 2" apart on ungreased baking shets. Flatten slightly.

Bake for 11-14 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.

Yield:
"6 dozen"

12 Days of Cookies...

We've selected 12 cookie recipes to make too. Hope you enjoy. Have a blessed day:)~Cherylann

Here are the cookies we will be making:

1. Butter Cookies
2. Candy Cane Cookies
3. Christmas Wreath Cookies
4. Coconut Clouds
5. Gingerbread Men
6. Holiday Nut Drop Cookies
7. Kris Kringle Cookies
8. Magical Christmas Cookies
9. Red Velvet Christmas Cookies
10. Rudolph Treats
11. Secret Kisses with Almonds Cookies
12. Snowball Surprise Cookies
Butter Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup sugar
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 400°.

Combine butter, sugar, egg yolks and vanilla together; add flour, mixing by hand.

Spoon mixture into a cookie press; press onto an ungreased baking sheet using the desired discs.

Bake for 7-10 minutes.

Yield:
"4 dozen"

NOTES : Add green dye, use the tree disc and put a tiny red cinnamon candy at top of the tree for Christmas trees.

For reindeer: use deer disc & use red cinnamon candy for nose.


Candy Cane Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
red food coloring

Cream butter and sugars together; add egg yolks. Stir in extracts and set aside.

Combine salt and flour well; mix into dough.

Divide dough in 2 equal portions and tint one portion red. Chill dough in separate bowls, covered, for one hour. Preheat oven to 350°.

Remove 1 Tablespoon of dough from each bowl. On a very lightly floured surface, shape each Tablespoon of dough by rolling under both hands to form a rope. Place the 2 ropes side-by-side and gently twist together. Carefully bend the top to form a candy cane; continue with remaining dough in each bowl.

Place candy canes on an ungreased baking sheet, about 1" apart; bake for 8 minutes. Do not brown.

Yield:
"3 dozen"

Christmas Wreath Cookies
Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup unsalted butter
16 ounces marshmallows
7 cups corn flakes
green food coloring
blue food coloring
red hots candy

Melt butter in a pan. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Add drops of food coloring until mixture is a nice "holly" green. Remove from heat and pour over corn flakes in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly. On wax paper, form wreath-shaped cookies and decorate with Red Hots to look like berries.


Coconut Clouds

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 20
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups coconut flakes
2 egg whites -- beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine ingredients together; blend until soft peaks form.

Drop by Tablespoonfuls, 1" apart, on a greased baking sheet; bake for 15-20 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack.

Store in an airtight container.

Serving Ideas : For extra sparkle, top with a candied cherry and sprinkle with sugar before baking.

Gingerbread Men

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 32
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon ginger
2 eggs -- well beaten
1 teaspoon vinegar
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

Cream butter with sugar. Add corn syrup and spices.

Heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil.

Remove from heat and allow to cool. When lukewarm, stir in eggs and vinegar.

Sift together flour and baking soda. Stir into wet mixture to form a smooth dough. Chill for several hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°. Roll out; cut with your favorite cookie cutter.

Bake for 8-10 minutes.



Holiday Nut Drop Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup light brown sugar -- packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- at room temperature
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup unsalted mixed nuts -- chopped
1/2 cup mini M&M's

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets.

Mix together flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl.

Beat brown sugar and butter in bowl until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture. Fold in nuts and chocolate pieces.

Drop by rounded measuring tablespoons, 2" apart, onto prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned at edges. Let cool slightly on baking sheets. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Store in airtight container.

Yield:
"2 dozen"


Kris Kringle Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 squares semisweet chocolate -- chopped
2 cups walnuts -- toasted and chopped
1 1/2 cups raisins

Preheat oven to 350°.

Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with mixer at medium speed, until light and fluffy.

Beat in egg and vanilla.

Mix in flour, baking soda and salt.

Stir in chocolate, walnuts and raisins.

Drop by rounded Tablespoonfuls, 1 1/2" apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool 2-3 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely on wire racks.

Store in tightly covered container.


Magical Christmas Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs -- beaten
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups quick-cooking oats -- uncooked
2 cups mini baking M&Ms
1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 325°.

Combine sugar, brown sugar and butter; beat until fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs; blend well. Add flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Stir in oats, candy and raisins.

Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet. Transfer to cooling rack.

Yield:
"2 dozen"

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 package red velvet cake mix
1/2 cup oil
2 Tablespoons water
2 eggs
12 ounces white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine all ingredients; mix well.

Drop by tablespoons onto lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Let cool slightly before removing from baking sheets.

Yield:
"3 dozen"


Rudolph Treats

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 bag miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
5 cups Rice Krispies® or Cocoa Rice Krispies
36 large pretzel twists -- broken
36 red cinnamon candies
72 miniature chocolate chips or candies

Melt marshmallows, butter and cocoa in 3-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until marshmallows are melted (4-5 minutes). Add cereal; gently stir until well coated.

Drop by buttered Tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper.

Use buttered hands to shape into heads. Quickly push pretzel pieces into top for antlers. Press in cinnamon candy for red nose and chocolate chips for eyes.

Cool completely. Store between sheets of waxed paper in airtight container.


Secret Kisses with Almonds Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
36 Hershey kisses with almonds -- unwrapped
2 sticks unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups slivered almonds -- finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon almond extract -- optional
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 375°.

Beat butter, granulated sugar and vanilla in large bowl until fluffy. Add flour and almonds; beat on low speed of mixer until well blended.

Using about 1 Tablespoon dough for each cookie, shape dough around chocolate piece; roll in hand to make ball. Be sure to cover each kiss completely.

Place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set, but not browned. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

While still slightly warm, roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely. Store in tightly covered container. Roll again in powdered sugar just before serving.

Yield:
"3 dozen"

Snowball Surprise Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 48
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
48 almond or peanut M&M's -- unbroken
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine butter, sugar, egg and vanilla in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping sides of bowl often, until well mixed (1-2 minutes).

Reduce speed to low; add flour. Beat, scraping sides of bowl often, until well mixed (1-2 minutes).

Shape dough around M&M's, into 1" balls. Place 1" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake fo 12-14 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheet.

Place powdered sugar in a gallon Ziploc bag. Shake 3-4 cookies at a time in sugar. Cool completely.

Return 3-4 cookies at a time to bag. Shake to coat again with powdered sugar.

Two new gift recipes (they freeze well)

Buckeyes & Snowball Cookies

Buckeyes

Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Candy

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 stick unsalted butter -- softened
2 cups chunky peanut butter
2 cups confectioner's sugar
16 ounces chocolate chips
1/3 bar paraffin wax

Mix butter, peanut butter and sugar. Form into walnut-size balls and chill.

Melt chips and wax in saucepan.

Dip balls into chocolate mixture to partially coat, leaving an "eye" uncoated. Place on waxed paper until firm. Store in freezer.

Snowball Cookies

Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 egg
8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°.

Mix flour and salt; set aside.

Blend butter, sugar and vanilla. Beat in 1 egg. Stir in flour mixture.

Add chocolate chips and nuts.

Shape into 1" balls. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet 15-20 minutes.

Cool and roll in powdered sugar. Freeze well.

Reunion Cookie update...

For the Hidden Mint Cookies, I used Peppermint Patties this time, because the Andes mints were way more expensive. They turned out wonderfully. Also, I need to tell you two more things...1. These spread! So make sure not to put them too closely on the baking sheet. 2. When I say slice the cookie dough thin, I mean THIN! I forgot that today, so I ended up having to bake them 20-25 minutes, and they were HUGE! So, I have updated my notes in the recipe, to remind me for next time.

Ok, for the Red Velvet Cookies, today I had some cream cheese frosting left over from cinnamon rolls I made, so I put some of that on top of each cookie. Everyone said they were really good, but I don't eat Red Velvet, so I can't tell you from my experience. However, I did get more than 36 cookies, I think I got about 42+.

The Holiday Cookies, next time I will be refrigerating them for an hour before cooking. Maybe this will help them keep their round shape, mine spread too much (could have been the stone got too hot, though)...I cooked these last, next time I think I will either do them separately or first.

HTH.~Cherylann

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

It's getting colder each day that passes.

Tonight we are going to stay in bundled up, make hot cocoa and watch Christmas movies.

We are going to watch Rudolph and Charlie Brown Christmas.

This is a long but busy weekend for us. DH and the kids all have Monday off from work/school. Tomorrow we have a birthday party and a family reunion. Sunday is church and Monday I plan to spend all the day getting the house ready for Thanksgiving.

We are also going to observe 2 minutes of silence at 11am for Veteran's Day.

What are you doing this weekend?

Here are my recipes for what I am bringing to the reunion tomorrow. We weren't asked to bring anything (therefore I do not know what the menu is), so I figured cookies would be a safe bet.

Now I wish I could tell you they are all already in my freezer...but I can't. So, tomorrow morning, the kids and I will be running out to get the ingredients. We will bake them before the birthday party, so we can take them to the reunion right after.
Hidden Mint Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 20
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
18 ounces refrigerated sugar cookie dough -- thinly sliced
1 package chocolate mint wafers
1 Tablespoon pecans -- coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 375°. Slightly grease a cookie sheet. Place slices of sugar cookies on sheet. Top each with a chocolate wafer. Cover wafer with another slice of cookie dough. Seal edges. Press nuts into top of cookie. Bake for about 10 minutes.


Holiday Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup walnuts -- finely chopped
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cream butter and sugar together; add flour, mixing well.

Stir in walnuts; refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Roll dough into 1" balls; bake on ungreased baking sheets for 12 minutes.

Roll in powdered sugar while warm.

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 package red velvet cake mix
1/2 cup oil
2 Tablespoons water
2 eggs
12 ounces white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine all ingredients; mix well.

Drop by tablespoons onto lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Let cool slightly before removing from baking sheets.

Yield:
"3 dozen"

Christmas Cookies

Here are some more Christmas cookie recipes. Please forgive me if I've posted duplicates.~Cherylann

Peppermint Squares

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 60
Categories : Brownies/Bars

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 squares white chocolate
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- softened
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 egg whites
2 Tablespoons milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup crushed candy canes -- 4-6; divided

Preheat oven to 350°. Line 2-8" square baking pans with nonstick foil.

Melt 2 squares white baking chocolate in microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. If needed, continue to melt in 15-second increments. Cool slightly.

Beat together butter and sugar, about 1 minute. Add cooled chocolate and vanilla; beat another minute. Add egg whites and milk, beating constantly. On low speed, beat in flour and salt.

Fold in 1/4 cup of the crushed candy. Spread dough evenly between prepared pans (about 1 1/4 cups dough per pan), smoothing tops.

Bake 13-15 minutes, or until top is dry.

Use foil to lift bars from pans. Cool on wire racks.

Melt remaining chocolate. Spread half onto one cookie square. Top with second square. Spread with remaining chocolate; sprinkle with remaining candy.

Cut into 1" squares. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.


Toffee Bars

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Brownies/Bars

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 egg yolks
3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
6 Hershey bars

Preheat oven to 350°.

Mix all ingredients except Hershey bars together.

Spread in small cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes.

Place Hershey bars on top of warm bars and spread. Cool and slice.


Turtle Bars

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Brownies/Bars

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
14 ounces caramels
2/3 cup evaporated milk -- divided
1 box German chocolate cake mix
1 cup pecans -- chopped
3/4 cup unsalted butter
6 ounces chocolate chips

In heavy saucepan, melt caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk. Stir constantly until caramels are completely melted; set aside.

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 13X9" pan.

In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pecans, butter and remaining milk. Pat 1/2 dough inot prepared pan.

Bake for 6 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips over dough, then pour on melted caramel. Crumble remaining dough over top.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Cool slighly and cut into squares.


Candy Cane Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
red food coloring

Cream butter and sugars together; add egg yolks. Stir in extracts and set aside.

Combine salt and flour well; mix into dough.

Divide dough in 2 equal portions and tint one portion red. Chill dough in separate bowls, covered, for one hour. Preheat oven to 350°.

Remove 1 Tablespoon of dough from each bowl. On a very lightly floured surface, shape each Tablespoon of dough by rolling under both hands to form a rope. Place the 2 ropes side-by-side and gently twist together. Carefully bend the top to form a candy cane; continue with remaining dough in each bowl.

Place candy canes on an ungreased baking sheet, about 1" apart; bake for 8 minutes. Do not brown.

Yield:
"3 dozen"


Candy Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1 large egg
1 cup candy bar chunks -- Reese's peanut butter cups, Butterfinger bars, white or milk chocolate chunks

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed, making sure all brown sugar lumps are crushed.

In a large bowl, beat the butter until it is smooth. Add the egg and continue beating until the egg is combined.

Add the dry ingredients and blend on low just until the cookie mix is incorporated.

Form the cookies into 1-1/2 inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on parchment paper lined cookie sheets.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden on the edges. Remove from oven, and cool on cookie sheets for 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.


Chocolate Truffle Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 30
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
60 Hershey's Chocolate Truffles Kisses wrapped in dark chocolate -- unwrapped
1 package supreme brownie mix with syrup pouch
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
powdered sugar

Place unwrapped truffles in freezer several hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour cookie sheet or line with parchment paper.

Stir brownie mix, syrup pouch, cocoa, water, oil and eggs in medium bowl until well blended. Drop by scant teaspoons onto prepared cookie sheet.

Bake 8 minutes or until set. Cool 3-4 minutes; sprinkle with powdered sugar. Immediately press frozen truffle into center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

Yield:
"5 dozen"

Christmas Wreath Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup unsalted butter
16 ounces marshmallows
7 cups corn flakes
green food coloring
blue food coloring
red hots candy

Melt butter in a pan. Add marshmallows and stir until melted. Add drops of food coloring until mixture is a nice "holly" green. Remove from heat and pour over corn flakes in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly. On wax paper, form wreath-shaped cookies and decorate with Red Hots to look like berries.

NOTES : This one is liked by all the big kids because of the Red Hots candy.


Cinnamon Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 Tablespoon grated orange peel
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
pinch salt

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cream together shortening, butter and sugars. Add egg and vanilla extract and mix well.

Gradually add flour and remaining ingredients and mix well. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and roll through additional sugar.

Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.


Fairy Drops

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 60
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
Cookies:
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup sugar
1 cup oil
2 eggs
2 teaspoons almond extract
candy canes -- crushed; for garnish
Frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 each vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar -- 2 1/2-3 1/2 cups
3 Tablespoons light cream -- or milk

Stir together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt; set aside.

Beat butter on medium-low speed of mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar and sugar; beat until fluffy. Beat in oil, eggs and almond extract until just combined.

With mixer on medium speed, gradually add dry ingredients, then cover and chill dough 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Roll teaspoonfuls of dough into balls. Arrange balls on an ungreased baking sheet and gently flatten to about 1/4" thickness using the bottom of a glass.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are light brown. Remove from cookie sheet and let cool completely on a wire rack; frost and top with crushed candy canes.

Frosting: Beat butter until fluffy; add extracts. Blend in powdered sugar alternately with cream or milk; beat until smooth.

Yield:
"5 dozen"

Festive Cookie Tree

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
Decorator's Icing:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 egg whites
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup sugar
1 pound powdered sugar
2 large eggs
several drops green food coloring
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tablespoon water -- as needed
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
mini M&M's
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

In large bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in eggs and vanilla.

In medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; blend into creamed mixture. Wrap and refrigerate dough for 2-3 hours.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Working with half the dough at a time on a lightly floured surface, roll to 1/8" thickness. Use star-shaped cookie cutters in 5 graduated sizes to cut 3 cookies from each of the four largest stars and 4 cookies from the smallest star (total of 16 star cookies). Transfer cutouts to ungreased cookie sheets with a rigid spatula.

Bake 8-10 minutes. Cool thoroughly on wire racks.

Frosting: In mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with electric beaters, until foamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat mixture at High speed 4-7 minutes or until of spreading consistency. If mixture is too thick, add water, one Tablespoon at a time, until mixture is of desired consistency. (Keep bowl covered with damp cloth, as icing will dry quickly.

Ice both sides of one of the smallest stars; set aside to dry. To remaining icing, add green food coloring until mixture is of desired color. Ice one side of remaining 15 star cookies; let dry.

To assemble tree: Place one of the largest stars on serving platter. Begin stacking remaining stars from largest to smallest, using a small dab of icing to secure in place; alternate position of points of each star as stacking continues to create tree. Top tree with solid white star. Decorate tree by placing M&M's on all tree branches to create lights; secure with additional dabs of icing. Dust tree lightly with powdered sugar to cream "snow".

Yield:
"1 tree"

Gingerbread Men

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 32
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon ginger
2 eggs -- well beaten
1 teaspoon vinegar
5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

Cream butter with sugar. Add corn syrup and spices.

Heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil.

Remove from heat and allow to cool. When lukewarm, stir in eggs and vinegar.

Sift together flour and baking soda. Stir into wet mixture to form a smooth dough. Chill for several hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°. Roll out; cut with your favorite cookie cutter.

Bake for 8-10 minutes.

NOTES : Makes a great gift-in-a-jar recipe.


Holiday Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup walnuts -- finely chopped
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cream butter and sugar together; add flour, mixing well.

Stir in walnuts; refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Roll dough into 1" balls; bake on ungreased baking sheets for 12 minutes.

Roll in powdered sugar while warm.


Holiday Nut Drop Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup light brown sugar -- packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- at room temperature
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup unsalted mixed nuts -- chopped
1/2 cup mini M&M's

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets.

Mix together flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl.

Beat brown sugar and butter in bowl until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture. Fold in nuts and chocolate pieces.

Drop by rounded measuring tablespoons, 2" apart, onto prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned at edges. Let cool slightly on baking sheets. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Store in airtight container.

Yield:
"2 dozen"


Kris Kringle Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 squares semisweet chocolate -- chopped
2 cups walnuts -- toasted and chopped
1 1/2 cups raisins

Preheat oven to 350°.

Beat butter and sugars in large bowl with mixer at medium speed, until light and fluffy.

Beat in egg and vanilla.

Mix in flour, baking soda and salt.

Stir in chocolate, walnuts and raisins.

Drop by rounded Tablespoonfuls, 1 1/2" apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool 2-3 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely on wire racks.

Store in tightly covered container.


Magical Christmas Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs -- beaten
1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups quick-cooking oats -- uncooked
2 cups mini baking M&Ms
1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 325°.

Combine sugar, brown sugar and butter; beat until fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs; blend well. Add flour, baking soda and salt; mix well. Stir in oats, candy and raisins.

Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls on an ungreased baking sheet.

Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet. Transfer to cooling rack.

Yield:
"2 dozen"

Mexican Wedding Cakes

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup pecans or almonds -- finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 325°. In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla. Blend well.

Stir in flour, nuts and salt until dough holds together. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until set but not brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheets. Cool slightly and roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely and reroll in powdered sugar.

Yield:
"4 dozen"

Pecan Bites

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
2/3 cup unsalted butter -- melted
2 eggs -- beaten

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine sugar, flour and pecans; set aside.

Blend butter and eggs together; mix into flour mixture.

Fill greased and floured mini muffin tins 2/3 full; bake for 22-25 minutes.

Cool on a wire rack.


Rudolph Treats

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 bag miniature marshmallows
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
5 cups Rice Krispies® or Cocoa Rice Krispies
36 large pretzel twists -- broken
36 red cinnamon candies
72 miniature chocolate chips or candies

Melt marshmallows, butter and cocoa in 3-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until marshmallows are melted (4-5 minutes). Add cereal; gently stir until well coated.

Drop by buttered Tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper.

Use buttered hands to shape into heads. Quickly push pretzel pieces into top for antlers. Press in cinnamon candy for red nose and chocolate chips for eyes.

Cool completely. Store between sheets of waxed paper in airtight container.


Scottish Shortbread

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350°.

Beat together butter, sugar and vanilla until well blended.

Add flour, one cup at a time, to butter mixture.

On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-1/2" thick. With a sharp knife, cut dough into 2" squares or cut into rounds with a cookie cutter.

Place on ungreased baking sheet and prick top of cookies with a fork.

Bake 25-30 minutes until bottoms are golden brown and tops are light in color.

Cool completely on wire racks.

Store in airtight containers.


Secret Kisses with Almonds Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 18 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
36 Hershey kisses with almonds -- unwrapped
2 sticks unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups slivered almonds -- finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon almond extract -- optional
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 375°.

Beat butter, granulated sugar and vanilla in large bowl until fluffy. Add flour and almonds; beat on low speed of mixer until well blended.

Using about 1 Tablespoon dough for each cookie, shape dough around chocolate piece; roll in hand to make ball. Be sure to cover each kiss completely.

Place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set, but not browned. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

While still slightly warm, roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely. Store in tightly covered container. Roll again in powdered sugar just before serving.

Yield:
"3 dozen"

Snowball Surprise Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 48
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3/4 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
48 almond or peanut M&M's -- unbroken
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine butter, sugar, egg and vanilla in large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping sides of bowl often, until well mixed (1-2 minutes).

Reduce speed to low; add flour. Beat, scraping sides of bowl often, until well mixed (1-2 minutes).

Shape dough around M&M's, into 1" balls. Place 1" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake fo 12-14 minutes or until set. Remove from cookie sheet.

Place powdered sugar in a gallon Ziploc bag. Shake 3-4 cookies at a time in sugar. Cool completely.

Return 3-4 cookies at a time to bag. Shake to coat again with powdered sugar.