The Conservative Cave

Interests => All Things Edible (and how to prepare them) => Topic started by: Traveshamockery on December 10, 2011, 07:54:31 AM

Title: Christmas Cookies
Post by: Traveshamockery on December 10, 2011, 07:54:31 AM
Anyone making different ones this year?  Any suggestions other than the normal sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies? 
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: zeitgeist on December 10, 2011, 08:14:25 AM
Anyone making different ones this year?  Any suggestions other than the normal sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies?  

How about Eskimo cookies?  No bake, uses oatmeal, contains chocolate, butter, and powdered sugar.  Kids love 'em and can help make them.

Quote

3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon water
3 tablespoons cocoa
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4-1/3 cup powdered sugar

Directions:
1)Let butter soften to room temperature.
2)Add sugar and mix thoroughly.
3)Add water, cocoa, vanilla and oats.
4)Cover and chill for 2-3 hours.
5)Pour powdered sugar in dish.
6)Roll walnut-sized bits of dough into balls, then roll in powdered sugar.
7)Store cookies in fridge.

Read more: http://baking.food.com/recipe/eskimo-cookies-64199#ixzz1g8o4vaY3

Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: zeitgeist on December 10, 2011, 08:29:17 AM
these are always good too:

http://www.dianasdesserts.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/recipes.recipeListing/filter/dianas/recipeID/1416/Recipe.cfm

But a little more difficult to make,  there is even a youtube:

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fnRCZXRfYM[/youtube]
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: franksolich on December 10, 2011, 08:32:54 AM
Anyone making different ones this year?  Any suggestions other than the normal sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies? 

Springerle's good, especially the way my mother made them.

Unfortunately, I could never get them to come out the way she did.
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: IassaFTots on December 10, 2011, 08:43:03 AM
I don't know if I will make any cookies, but I am making toffee and peppermint bark.
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: RightCoast on December 10, 2011, 09:49:52 AM
My mother always made these:

http://www2.kelloggs.com/RecipeDetail.aspx?id=1416

So far Mrs RC says no way - she is the Grinch

Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: Celtic Rose on December 10, 2011, 10:17:36 AM
My friends and I are getting together to back cookies next Saturday.  I'll be bringing cheater gingerbread cookie dough.  Betty Crocker's Gingerbread mix has instructions for cookies, and they turn out really good, kind of like gingersnaps. 
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: Traveshamockery on December 10, 2011, 05:21:12 PM
Thanks for the suggestions!

I love eskimo cookies!  I found a recipe for butter cookies that you can decorate.  I might try those.

I had a friend who used to make cherry-almond squares.  The batter was really thick and made with a lot of butter.  You would put that batter into a 13x9 pan and mark squares in it with a knife and drop one or two cherries from canned cherry pie mix and bake.  It was so good but I cannot find that recipe anywhere!   

Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: Traveshamockery on December 10, 2011, 05:27:22 PM
I found the recipe.  I will have to make this, too.

http://cookie.betterrecipes.com/cherry-almond-squares.html
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: MrsSmith on December 11, 2011, 07:12:24 AM
We have "standard" Christmas cookies...first Paintbrush cookies.  They are basically a sugar cookie with less baking powder, so they don't spread so much in baking.  We paint them with colored egg yolk before baking.  
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/paintbrush-cookies/71c57baf-3047-4fd7-b03e-f0488e9decc1
We also sprinkle them with extra sugar before baking, or you can skip the painted design, brush with egg white and sprinkle with colored sugar.

The next would be Vanilla Kipferl cookies
http://www.wegmans.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10052&partNumber=RECIPE_13447
Most recipes talk about tearing up a vanilla bean, we never did that.  I've had vanilla sugar going for years now.  We put a couple vanilla beans in 10 lbs of sugar in a good storage container and let it sit for at least a couple months before first use.  Then we add more sugar as we use it.  I added fresh beans a few years ago, too.

Most years, I make Thumbprint cookies.  
http://www.delish.com/entertaining-ideas/holidays/christmas/thumbprint-cookies
I normally fill them with an expensive, seedless Raspberry or Blackberry jam.

Someone always makes Peanut Blossoms
http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/5191/Peanut%20Butter%20Blossoms.aspx
We often use chocolate stars instead of kisses, it makes a prettier cookie

Another favorite is Rum Balls
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Rum-Balls
I run a couple boxes of vanilla wafers through the food grinder, then follow up with nuts (we usually use almonds because I buy them for the Kipferls).  These should sit in a tight container in the fridge for a couple weeks or longer before Christmas.

Last year, Meringue cookies were a big hit.  One brother can't eat any wheat, so good cookies with no flour or gluten were perfect.
http://www.joyofbaking.com/MeringueCookies.html
I made some with mini chocolate chips stirred in, and flavored others with peppermint and tiny bits of chopped candy cane.  There are probably 100 ways to flavor and color them...

And we also make chocolate chip, and add some baking M&M's for color.  

 :-)
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: franksolich on December 11, 2011, 08:12:08 AM
I'm getting ready to make this again.

http://www.conservativecave.com/index.php/topic,20468.0/

with much lingering thanks to jtyangel here, who kindly gave me the recipe.

However, every time I've tried it, I can't quite make them come out like my mother did.

My mother could make them turn out rock-hard, which is the way I like them.

<<not a fan of soft food.
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: Traveshamockery on December 11, 2011, 03:54:14 PM
Thank you, Mrs. Smith! 

Frank:  Springerles sound really good but seem to be a lot more work than it would appear by reading the recipes,  I do not think I've ever had them before but I do love the smell of anise.  Have you tried making them since 2009? 

Coincidentally, my maiden name is Springer.
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: franksolich on December 11, 2011, 03:56:00 PM
Thank you, Mrs. Smith! 

Frank:  Springerles sound really good but seem to be a lot more work than it would appear by reading the recipes,  I do not think I've ever had them before but I do love the smell of anise.  Have you tried making them since 2009? 

Coincidentally, my maiden name is Springer.

Yeah, I have, but I don't do anything fancy.

There's some sort of rolling-pin with "pictures" carved in them, that one rolls over the dough.

I don't mess with that.

I just put a spoonful of the dough on the cookie sheet; after all, they're for dining on, not looking at.
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: MrsSmith on December 11, 2011, 06:20:57 PM
Yeah, I have, but I don't do anything fancy.

There's some sort of rolling-pin with "pictures" carved in them, that one rolls over the dough.

I don't mess with that.

I just put a spoonful of the dough on the cookie sheet; after all, they're for dining on, not looking at.
That's probably why your cookies aren't like your mother's.  You need to flatten the dough to the right thickness, whatever the recipe calls for, to get the correct result.
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: Chris_ on December 16, 2011, 09:51:27 AM
However, every time I've tried it, I can't quite make them come out like my mother did.

My mother could make them turn out rock-hard, which is the way I like them.
Leave them in the oven longer (without burning them).
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: debk on December 16, 2011, 11:42:38 AM
Gettting ready to start baking today.

Every year I make Magic Bars, Danish Butter Cookies (my step-grandmother came over from Denmark in her early  20's and I make her recipe), peanut butter blossoms, mini brownie cupcakes w/either pecans or caramel Hershey Kisses stuck upside down on the top, and oatmeal raspberry bars. Also Chex Mix.

I make peppermint bark, chocolate covered toffee, turtles, peanut butter cups, fudge and spiced almonds and pecans.

For Christmas Eve I make creme brulee, New York cheesecake w/raspberry Chambord sauce and Creme de Menthe cheesecake (though last year I made both into cupcake size instead of big ones and also made chocolate chip too, and will again this year), mini pecan pies and mini mincemeat pies w/ B&B in them.

Several years ago, instead of going out and buying gifts for our friends and the secretaries, office manager and broker at my office....I started making up gift bags of goodies. It works out well, as I don't struggle trying to figure out what to get them, and it keeps the cost pretty much the same for each, and it isn't something they get from someone else. Also, we get to have all the different stuff, too, but not so much that we are eating it for weeks!

I buy those patterned cellophane bags at Dollar Tree and put a half dozen of cookies and candy, and then put them into a big gift bag. I will also make either Spice Tea mix that I put into the little 8oz Christmas plastic containers (also Dollar Tree) or will get several different kinds of hot cocoa mix packets and give a "sample" of 1 of each that I tie with a ribbon and put in the bag too.

Those that come on Christmas Eve, take home some of the desserts, and I also make chicken soup that I have frozen and they get a big container of it with a bag of noodles to add when they fix it. I made the soup a couple of weeks ago. I made broccoli cheese soup the other night though, and froze some, in quart containers, and I may give them a choice this year.

Over the years, they've all become very "sub-tle" ...."what are you baking for Christmas this year, Deb?"  :lmao:

 
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: Chris_ on December 16, 2011, 11:45:31 AM
I'm going to make a small tres leche cake for myself.  I'll try Jello's instant chocolate mousse for a topping since the vanilla-flavored whipped cream I made last time didn't go well with the chocolate cake.
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: chitownchica on December 16, 2011, 12:10:20 PM
I'm going to try these over the holidays:

http://consciouscrumbs.com/post/293338277/swedish-creme-cookies-1-cup-butter-2-cups-flour

Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: debk on December 16, 2011, 12:12:46 PM
I'm going to try these over the holidays:

http://consciouscrumbs.com/post/293338277/swedish-creme-cookies-1-cup-butter-2-cups-flour




Hmmmm.....these look terrific!!!!  :drool:

Might have to add these.
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: chitownchica on December 16, 2011, 12:20:44 PM

Hmmmm.....these look terrific!!!!  :drool:

Might have to add these.

I hope they are as good as they look. I always bookmark things and then forget about them. I love the idea of baking, but then get lazy over the actual work :).
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: Celtic Rose on December 16, 2011, 12:30:33 PM
I'm going to try these over the holidays:

http://consciouscrumbs.com/post/293338277/swedish-creme-cookies-1-cup-butter-2-cups-flour



Those look tasty.  I wonder if jam could be used to replace the frosting, it seems that it should work.  I'm baking cookies with my friends tomorrow, I might have to try these. 
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: chitownchica on December 16, 2011, 01:36:37 PM
Those look tasty.  I wonder if jam could be used to replace the frosting, it seems that it should work.  I'm baking cookies with my friends tomorrow, I might have to try these. 

CR - I bet jam would be just as good. Yum!

Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: chitownchica on December 16, 2011, 01:46:47 PM
My sister-in-law makes these for family get togethers.  They are fantastic!

Apricot Bars
From Taste of Home Ultimate Cookie Collection
 
¾ cup butter, softened
1 c. sugar
1 egg
½ tsp vanilla
2 c. flour
¼ tsp. baking powder
1 1/3 c. coconut
½ c. chopped walnuts
12 oz. jar apricot preserves
 
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Add coconut and walnuts. Press two-thirds of dough into a greased 9x13” baking pan. Spread with preserves, leaving about a ¼ - ½ border around edges. Be careful not to spread preserves all the way to the edge or mixture will stick and be hard to get out of pan. Crumble remaining dough over preserves. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.
 
Makes 2 dozen.
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: Chris_ on December 16, 2011, 01:50:16 PM
Anyone making different ones this year?  Any suggestions other than the normal sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies? 
I'm thinking of making the s'mores from the back of the Golden Grahams box. 

Good stuff.
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: Traveshamockery on December 16, 2011, 02:01:18 PM
Oh yum!  Those cookies look yummy!  And Deb - you're going to be busy.

BTW, my mother's side of the family comes from Denmark, too!  Any Christiansens in your family?
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: marv on December 16, 2011, 03:05:09 PM
Springerle recipe......
Springerle Cookies (Do not make these until after the first hard freeze)

1/2 tsp Baker's ammonia
2 tbl milk
6 eggs, at room temperature
6 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
1/2 tsp anise oil (extract may be substituted)
1/2 tsp salt
2 lb cake flour, sifted (about 8 cups)

Mash baker's ammonia with a rolling pin if it is not powdered. Dissolve it in the milk in a small bowl and let stand 1 hour before using.
Beat eggs in large bowl of electric mixer until thick and lemon-colored, about 5 minutes. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until creamy and smooth. Add butter and beat again until creamy. Add anise oil, dissolved baker's ammonia and salt; beat to mix. Gradually beat in enough flour to make a stiff dough.
Cut off pieces of dough and work in more flour on a floured work surface until dough is stiff enough to roll out and hold the design of the springerle rolling pin or mold. Roll out on a lightly floured board with a floured rolling pin to 1/4-inch thickness. Press design on dough with a floured springerle rolling pin. Cut cookies apart using a floured knife. Leave on work surface covered with a clean kitchen towel overnight.
The next day, heat oven to 325 degrees. Bake cookies on greased baking sheets, until barely golden on the bottom, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on wire racks. Store in tightly covered tins and let stand at least 1 week before serving.

You can get the rolling pin at http://www.kitchenconservatory.com/Springerle-Molds-C381.aspx The baker's ammonia is at http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/bakers-ammonia-ammonium-carbonate-27-oz Okay, they're a lot of trouble, but it's only once a year..........

BTW, King Arthur Flour (http://www.kingarthurflour.com/) has an excellent catalogue you can order on line at http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/landing.jsp?go=DefaultCatSignup&ref=pub1
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: debk on December 16, 2011, 03:23:07 PM
Oh yum!  Those cookies look yummy!  And Deb - you're going to be busy.

BTW, my mother's side of the family comes from Denmark, too!  Any Christiansens in your family?

That was my step-grandmother's maiden name! Her first husband's name was Carl and he was my step-mother's father, but I never met him.
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: Traveshamockery on December 16, 2011, 04:30:43 PM
That was my step-grandmother's maiden name! Her first husband's name was Carl and he was my step-mother's father, but I never met him.


Apparently Christiansen is the popular name in Denmark.  I posted something somewhere about my great-grandpa going back for a visit.   I'll see if I can find it.  I would love to visit there someday. 
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: Chris_ on December 18, 2011, 02:15:46 PM
Christmas Crepes!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1KreouGo3M[/youtube]

This lady has some really good recipes.  I've made a couple of them.
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: Traveshamockery on December 19, 2011, 03:35:15 PM
Christmas Crepes!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1KreouGo3M[/youtube]

This lady has some really good recipes.  I've made a couple of them.


OMG!!  Those look so good.  I'm hungry. 
Title: Re: Christmas Cookies
Post by: zeitgeist on December 25, 2011, 08:07:13 PM
M/zeit made some very nice Blue Eyed Mice:

(http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3159/dscf3346z.jpg)

along with fudge, Russian tea cakes and cherry cheese cake minis.  For some reason no one touched the fruit cake? :lol: