We are in the home stretch people. Blogmas is almost over but I couldn't end this year's edition without talking about sugar cookies, gingerbread and royal icing. Lol.
That's right, I'm talking about Christmas cookies!
It is my favorite Christmas tradition and I love it so much because its a great way to give gifts on a budget, especially if your giving to a crowd. Economies of scale.
Every year I make dozens of cookies, confections and sweet treats, buy some really cute holiday tins, cello bags or gift bags and then either hand deliver or ship them out to friends, family and co-workers.
Sending something homemade adds a personal touch. You get to share with people something you love and enjoy and they feel special because you thought of them.
If you are a novice baker or experienced below I share some of my hacks for getting all these cookies done.
Hack #1
If you aren't that great with making cookies from scratch or you're just short on time, a
store bought mix never hurt nobody. I buy a box or two from BJ's of
Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix. 5 bags of mix. Just add butter and eggs and voila. You have the base for any cookie; a traditional sugar, gingerbread men, lemon, molasses or eggnog. So good.
Bonus: If even that seems daunting Pillsbury has
Ready to Bake cookies that are dynamite. #notsponsored
Hack #2
Store bought frosting. While I do make royal icing, now that I have two little ones under foot I don't really have the time (or patience) anymore to put it altogether. Vanilla frosting from any brand you like works great and you can jazz it up with food coloring, whipped cream (to lighten it up), sprinkles, or extracts like rum, almond (though I stay clear of this one) or lemon.
Hack #3
Aluminum foil and pans. I know parchment paper is the new fad BUT...Aluminum foil works just as well on your cookie sheets and its more likely that you will have this on hand. Wax paper works too. Then use aluminum pans to bake your cakes and bars in and to store your cookies. Then after the holidays re-use or recycle. #sustainable
Final Tips: Wear good shoes (lots of standing), stay hydrated (hot oven) and taste as you go. I know they say don't eat raw cookie dough but some rules are made to be broken. You can't fix a mistake after its cooked.
Happy Shopping & Baking!
Your Friend,
The Fabulous Shoe Maven
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