There’s nothing quite like the feeling of walking into a kitchen where Christmas cookies are baking. My husband’s aunt is the person we affectionately call the better Martha Stewart. Her garden is an eden, she knows a million and one recipes, and she bakes the best cookies. I’ve been so blessed to walk into such a beautiful tradition that she has carefully honed in with decades worth of work. I am so thankful that she is willing to share some of these treasured recipes with me.
The Gift of Cookies
Aunt Kris is generous with her time and talent. She could very well make one cookie recipe and share with just our family, but she goes beyond that. She makes divinity, snickerdoodles, spritz cookies, crinkles, pretzels with chocolate centers, etc. She makes enough for a whole army! Our family often takes these cookies in order to share them with the people who have served us throughout the year: our mail carriers, family mechanics, and even the UPS drivers! (Although this is one of the hardest things to do since we want all of her cookies!) She has taught us to love others with our own talents, time, and devotion. That’s something I’ll never forget.
Family Time
The funniest part about sharing this with you is that we have no pictures of the actual event! My family and I went through decades of photos and we couldn’t find anything. There’s actually a good reason why: our family doesn’t even think about taking pictures. Our memories are the only ones beholden to this treasure simply because we are too distracted with our own laughter, sticky hands, and the smell of sweets. We always question who made the funniest shaped cookies, who could scoop the quickest, and, an old family favorite: guess how many types of cookie dough were in Aunt Kris’ fridge. Even on Christmas Eve, when she brings over the trove of cookies, we still don’t take pictures. Most of the time we’re found snacking around the cookie table and comparing the treats as if there were medals for each place. I don’t think any picture could capture that—and I don’t think I would want it to.
Recipes
The best part: we hope that these recipes are enjoyed by your families and that you have just as many memories from them. As Aunt Kris told me, these recipes are ones that her own grandmother shared with her. They’re vintage! Be sure to tell your own personal Martha Stewart how much of a treasure she or he is: we are sure glad to have ours.
Betty Crocker Chocolate Crinkles
Aunt Kris’ grandma’s Christmas Tree Spritz Cookies
(originally from Cookie Jar Magic Cookbook)
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp almond extract
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour (sifted)
1/2 tsp baking powder
green food coloring
- Preheat oven to 375º.
- Cream butter and sugar. After well creamed, add egg and almond extract. Gradually mix dry ingredients (salt, flour, and baking powder). Sift and then add to wet ingredients. Tint dough with green food coloring.
- Fill cookie press with dough. Make sure the cookie press is fitted with the Christmas tree pattern plate. Form cookie on an ungreased cookie sheet (preferably with parchment paper).
- Before placing in oven, decorate with colored sugar. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Remove to cooling rack.
