December 6, 2011

How I Simplify Christmas Cookies

I make the same Christmas cookies every year.

We discovered our favorite recipe a few years ago at a cookie exchange in New York City. This super-fast recipe for chocolate-covered toffee satisfies all my cravings for butterscotch and chocolate, sweet and salty, crunchy and creamy.

The kids love the chance to sprinkle on colorful nonpareils. In fact, we all think they’re so delicious, it’s hard to give them away (the reason we make them in the first place).

So why complicate things by trying a new recipe each year?

 

One day I can imagine getting a kick out of making dozens of batches of different cookies (like my friend, Nancy, who believes that holiday rituals are a great way to downplay gifts). But right now, I’m just trying to survive. With Christmas cookies. So I’m sticking with this simple tradition.

Here’s the step-by-step and short version of our recipe. (I swear, they take less than 15 minutes to make.)

 

Do you have an easy Christmas cookie recipe that is your go-to favorite?

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11 comments

• 

  Vanessa Jubis December 7, 2011, 8:56 pm

  What a great way to ‘keep it simple & delicious!’ Love it! Thank you again lovely Amy! :)

  Vanessa Jubis

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  thefrugallery December 7, 2011, 11:02 am

  These looks delicious and easy to make! There goes my excuse for using a mix from a box:)

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  Amy December 7, 2011, 10:33 am

  Hi Mom,

  I know, I used to try to reinvent it too. I think it really depends on finding a recipe that everyone loves and that you look forward to making at only this time of year.

  Love, Amy

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  mom December 7, 2011, 10:14 am

  SO smart! After all these years, I still find myself trying to invent the wheel each year at Christmas. Repetition is one of the best ways to simplify. This is a lesson I can learn from my daughter.

  Mom

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  tina seashore December 7, 2011, 9:48 am

  hey amy!

  i almost didn’t click on this post. i am the WORST baker ever. i have some kind of baker’s block which messes up every cookie/cake/etc i attempt.

  however, these seem to be “tina-proof.” and they sound absolutely delicious!!!

  can’t wait to try them…thx

  • 

    Amy December 7, 2011, 10:32 am

    Hi Tina, I can’t imagine that a foodie would have baker’s block, but I know you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy they are.

    Take care,
    Amy

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  The Suburban Minimalist blog December 6, 2011, 9:42 pm

  And so my mailing address is…(just kidding!) They look delicious. That they’re so easy is icing on the cake (kind of a mixed metaphor, but I just couldn’t resist!). Thank you for sharing! XO!

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  Sarah December 6, 2011, 3:49 pm

  Amy — this recipe looks fabulous! I LOVE making a huge variety of holiday cookies, but this year, that just isn’t in the cards. I’ll definitely try your toffee recipe. Another very easy option: meringues. They may not seem holiday-ish, but you can sprinkle green and red sugar on them, and voila. Let me know if you need a meringue recipe.

  • 

    Amy December 6, 2011, 4:06 pm

    Hi Sarah,

    I like the idea of meringues, and they don’t sound as decadent as the toffee. Plus the white fluffiness reminds me of winter snow. I might just ask you for a recipe!

    Take care,
    Amy

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  Jen @ Jen Spends December 6, 2011, 3:18 pm

  Oh my…I made that recipe for the first time last year and I couldn’t stop eating it! It’s so delicious and easy! I absolutely love homemade sugar cookies with icing, but they’re such a hassle. I will probably make them anyway though, just to give my son the experience.

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    Amy December 6, 2011, 3:28 pm

    Hi Jen,

    Yeah, I should have probably mentioned that side-effect. The key is to make them and gift them as soon as possible!

    p.s. We love decorated sugar cookies too, but I’ll probably just make them as an activity at my daughter’s sleepover birthday party, instead of trying to make a ton as gifts. I agree they are a lot of work — but fun.