Christmas Cookies - Coconut Cookies

Coconut is one of those ingredients that seems to get little attention until the holidays roll around. Here are some recipes that you will want to keep handy all year.

Coconut Macaroons You can whip these favorites up in minutes so keep the ingredients on hand in your pantry for a quick, freshly baked treat any time.

Cookies

You will need:

Christmas Cookies - Coconut Cookies

2 1/2 cups flaked coconut

1/3 cup flour (all-purpose)

1/8 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine the coconut, flour and salt. Add the milk and vanilla. Mixture will be a little stiff. Drop by tablespoonfuls 1 inch apart on a greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 15 - 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool. Now, wasn't that easy? Yield about 36 cookies.

Try Cherry Snowballs, a classic Christmas treat. You will need:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 36 maraschino cherries, well drained.

For the coating you will need

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2/4 to 1/3 cup milk
• 2 cups flaked coconut, finely chopped

To make the cookie, cream the butter, sugar, water and vanilla. Combine the flour, oats and salt and gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Shape about a tablespoon full of dough around a cherry, forming a ball. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F. for about 18-20 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

While cookies cool, make the coating by combining the sugar, and milk to achieve a smooth dipping consistency. Dip cookies and roll in the chopped coconut. Let set and finish cooling. Makes about 36 cookies.

Prefer a little chocolate with your coconut? Here are Chocolate Coconut Neapolitans that you are sure to love. To make these cookies you will need:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 4 drops of red food coloring
• 1/2 cup flaked coconut, finely chopped
• 4 1/2 teaspoons chocolate syrup
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 teaspoons shortening

Line a 9 by 5 by 3 inch loaf pan with waxed paper and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt and gradually add to the creamed mixture, mixing well.

Divide the dough into thirds. Add almond extract and red food color to one portion, spread evenly into the prepared pan.

Add coconut to the second portion and spread evenly over the third layer.

Add the chocolate syrup to the third portion and spread over the second layer.

Cover with foil and freeze for 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. You will also need ungreased cookie sheets or sheets lined with parchment paper.

Unwrap the loaf and cut in half lengthwise. Cut each portion across the width into 1/4 inch slices. Place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet and bake for 12 - 14 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening. Stir until blended and smooth. Dip one end of each cooled cookie into chocolate and place on wire racks set over wax paper(to catch drips).

Recipe makes about 5 dozen cookies. Store in a single layer between sheets of wax paper in an air-tight container.

For all you caramel lovers, here is one for you. Caramel Coconut Heavenly Cookies are easy to make and impressive on the Christmas cookie platter. Great cookie to make with kids and be careful, they are addictive.

You will need:

• 12 graham crackers (4 3/4 by 2 1/2 inches)
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 3/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup flaked coconut

To make these cookie bars live a 15 by 10 inch baking pan with foil. Let the kids place graham crackers in the bottom and cover with the marshmallows. Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium ht cook and stir the butter, sugar and cinnamon until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Spoon this heated mixture over the marshmallows. The children can then sprinkle the almonds and coconut over the top.

Bake at 350 degrees F. for 14 - 16 minutes or until browned. Cool completely and then cut into 2 inch squares. Cut each square in half to form triangles. Makes about 6 dozen. You could also drizzle a ribbon of melted chocolate chips over the top. Try this with butterscotch chips. Yummy.

Here is one more that you surely will want to include the Christmas. They are called Jeweled Coconut Crisps and they will add yet one more layer to your festive table, that is if you can keep them around long enough.

You will need:

• 1 cup butter,softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup finely chopped red and green candied cherries
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup flaked coconut

To make the cookies cream the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Bear in the milk and vanilla. Stir in the flour, cherries and pecans.

Shape into two 8 inch logs. Sprinkle coconut onto wax paper, placing each log on the wax paper roll it in the coconut. Wrap each log and refrigerate several hours or until firm.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut the cookies from the logs making 1/4 inch slices. Place on ungreased or parchment paper lined baking sheets and bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.

Cool on wire racks. You may wish to sprinkle warm cookies with a dusting of confectioners' sugar, but this is optional. Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

With these few simple recipes and a few common ingredients you have just baked 22 dozen cookies that will delight your family and thrill your friends when you show up at the cookie exchange. Set out some of each at your next gathering for an instant holiday cookie platter. Hide some in air tight containers for later, and don't forget how delicious and easy these are when you are suddenly in the mood for a sweet treat any time of the year. Enjoy.

Christmas Cookies - Coconut Cookies

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At [http://www.caglecooksonline.com] you can download free cookbooks and find great lots of recipes. Check it out and don't miss the Master Site Index with links to all my online content. My Holiday cookbook is still available if you missed it and my newest cookbook, for Diabetics, is almost ready and will be available in time for Thanksgiving. So, head on over and see how I can help YOU today?

Cookie Press Cookies - The Perennial Christmas Cookie

Cookie Press Cookies, or Spritz cookies as they are sometimes called, have been a Christmas cookie treat since the 1600's. They are called "cookie press" because a press is used to form the cookies.

The word "spritz" comes from the German word "spritzen" which means "to squirt or spray". The word describes the action of the cookie press, which "squirts" the dough through a die giving the cookie its shape.

Cookies

If you've tried making spritz cookies without success in the past or if you're new to them the following information will guide you to making these delicious Christmas treats.

Cookie Press Cookies - The Perennial Christmas Cookie

Cookie Press Recipes

Most bakers that have had problems with their cookie press cookies are probably not at fault at all. More than likely it's the recipe they were using.

Spritz cookie dough has to have some unique qualities. First of all the dough has to be soft enough that it will go through the press with no problems.

The fact that it has to be soft could present the second problem. It must hold it's shape in the oven or it will lose its design.

On top of these two problems is that it has to taste good!

That eliminates some of the tricks some bakers' use for shape holding like using shortening for the fat. For great cookie flavor butter should be the fat in Cookie Press Cookies!

This is a good basic recipe that will produce beautiful Christmas spritz cookies.

Basic Spritz Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

1 large egg yolk
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened (about 70 degrees)
2/3 cup sugar (about 4-3/4 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon table salt
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (10 ounces)

Instructions

Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 375 degrees.

In small bowl, beat yolk, cream, and vanilla with fork until combined; set aside.

In stand mixer cream the butter, sugar, and salt at medium-high speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula.

With the mixer running at medium speed, add the yolk and cream mixture and beat until incorporated, about 30 seconds. Scrape down the bowl.

With the mixer running at low speed gradually beat in the flour a little at a time until combined.

Scrape down the bowl and give a final stir with a rubber spatula to ensure that no flour pockets remain.

Load up your cookie press and press out the cookies spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart.

Bake one sheet at a time until the cookies are light golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through the baking time.

Cool the cookies on the baking sheet until just warm, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the cookies from the sheet with a metal spatula and transfer to a wire rack and cool to room temperature.

Some words of caution!

This cookie recipe works perfectly fine. However there are some variables that can't be solved by a recipe. Those variables are in your own kitchen.

Oven thermostats are notoriously inaccurate! The temperature of your oven must be 375 degrees for the cookies to setup before the melting butter makes them spread.

If your cookies spread too much check your oven with an oven thermometer.

In addition to oven temperature the cookies will spread too much if you have whipped too much air into the dough. When you are creaming the butter and sugar be sure and not over whip.

Also combine the dry ingredients with the wet just until mixed thoroughly.

A warm cookie sheet will cause your cookies to spread excessively. Be sure your sheet is completely cooled before you do a second batch. You can pop it in the fridge for a few minutes if necessary.

Expand Your Cookie Press Cookies Repertoire

Once you have the basic procedure for spritz cookies down pat you can expand your repertoire.

The flavors and decorations possibilities for these cookies are almost unlimited. And with good recipes you can make Christmas Cookie Baking go like a flash.

Cookie Press Cookies - The Perennial Christmas Cookie

There are a lot of recipes, baking tips and decorating tips in the Cookie Press Recipes section of Jim Bolding's website http://www.cookie-recipe-club.com.

Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes - Candied Fruit Cookies

A festive cookie featuring candied fruit and almonds.

1/2 cup butter, softened

Cookies

3/4 cup sugar

Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes - Candied Fruit Cookies

1 egg

1 1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped

1/2 cup each candied cherries and pineapple, chopped

3/4 cup Brazil nuts, coarsely chopped and toasted

3/4 cup almonds, chopped and toasted

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Prepare baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.

In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add in the egg; mix well.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in the fruits and nuts.

Drop by teaspoonfuls 2-inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool completely.

Makes 84 cookies.

=> Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes: Chips Galore Cookies

These cookies are stuffed with a variety of yummy chips - a real treat.

1 cup butter flavored shortening

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/3 cup peanut butter chips

1/3 cup butterscotch chips

1/3 cup vanilla or white chips

1/3 cup milk chocolate M&Ms

1/3 cup Reese's pieces candy

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, sugar and brown sugar. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the chips and candy pieces.

Bake 7 to 9 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. Let cool completely.

Makes 48 cookies.

=> Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes: Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin cookies with a burst of chocolate chips.

4 cups all purpose flour

2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 (16 oz.) can solid pack pumpkin

1 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

2 tablespoons milk

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Add in the pumpkin, oil, eggs, milk and vanilla; beat on medium speed until well mixed. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts.

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 13 to 14 minutes, or until edges begin to brown. Cool completely.

Makes 84 cookies.

Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes - Candied Fruit Cookies

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New Mexican Christmas Cookies - Biscochitos Recipe

Biscochitos are the official state cookie of New Mexico. Served traditionally at Christmas, at weddings, and any other celebration, biscochitos are a type of shortbread. Unlike traditional shortbread, however, this recipe can be a little tricky to make. After awhile, you learn to have a feel for the dough and it gets easier. It is worth the effort to learn to make these delicious little cookies.

Biscochitos have a long history that stretches all the way back to Spain. Known as Mantecosos across the Atlantic (that means buttery in Spanish), these little cookies are sometimes called Mexican Wedding cookies. In fact, the name of this delicious little cookie has caused quite a debate. In northern New Mexico, they are known as biscochitos and biscochos in the southern part of New Mexico. When this cookie was made the official state cookie in 1989, the state legislature had to debate on how to spell the name. The Senate finally decided on bizcochito, though you still see it with multiple spellings.

Cookies

Recipe for Biscochitos

New Mexican Christmas Cookies - Biscochitos Recipe

This delightful little cookie is perfect with coffee, tea or even a glass of wine.

What You Need

• 1 pound lard
• 1 heaping cup granulated sugar
• 2 to 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 teaspoons anise seed
• 6 cups flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/8 cup red wine
• 1/8 cup orange juice concentrate, partially thawed
• 4 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

How You Make It

Whip the lard with a mixer set on medium-high. The lard should become silky in texture; this will take up to 10 minutes. Add sugar and mix well with lard, scraping the sides of the bowl frequently.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly each time. Add salt and mix. Add the following ingredients in this order: anise, flour, baking powder. Continue to mix well. Add wine and orange juice concentrate. Beat the mixture until the dough pulls away from the sides of the mixing bowl.

Moisten your fingers and work surface. Roll out the dough between two pieces of plastic wrap. (Hint: It helps to lightly flour the bottom piece of plastic wrap.) Try to touch the dough as little as possible while you shape it into a rectangle and pat it until it is even. A marble rolling pin works best due to its weight and temperature for rolling. You want the dough to be about half an inch thick. Cut the dough into quarters. Dip each quarter into cinnamon sugar and set gently on a greased cookie sheet.

Using a small, sharp knife, cut each quarter into strips about 1-1/2 inches wide. Turn the tray and cut in the other direction so you end up with little squares. Make four tiny cuts toward the center of each piece. Using your thumb and forefinger, raise the edges towards the center, making a rosette.

Bake the cookies about 13 minutes or until the edges are browned. Your time may vary depending on the temperature of your oven. The finished cookies should be crisp.

New Mexican Christmas Cookies - Biscochitos Recipe

Mexican recipes like posole are wonderful holiday meals, but you certainly do not have to wait for a holiday to enjoy Mexican cuisine. Try some Mexican dessert recipes for a twist on the same old desserts you're used to. They're wonderful!

MexicanDessertRecipes.net The Sweet Side of Mexican Food

Christmas Cookies Recipes - Soft Mincemeat Cookies

A deliciously comforting soft baked cookie.

1/4 cup butter; softened

Cookies

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

Christmas Cookies Recipes - Soft Mincemeat Cookies

2 eggs

3/4 cup mincemeat

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.

In a bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Add in eggs and mincemeat; mix well.

In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; add to the creamed mixture; mixing well. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.

Drop by tablespoonfuls 2-inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely.

Makes 48 cookies.

=> Christmas Cookies Recipes: Orange Cookies

A fresh, citrus flavored cookie that will delight everyone.

1 cup shortening

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup buttermilk

3 eggs

2/3 cup orange juice

4 1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel

3 to 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

Cookie Icing

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a bowl, cream together shortening and sugar. Add in the buttermilk, eggs, orange juice and orange peel.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture.

Drop by teaspoonfuls 2-inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool. Frost with Cookie Icing.

Cookie Icing

4 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar

1/4 teaspoon orange extract

1/3 to 1/2 cup orange juice

Directions

In a bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, orange extract and enough orange juice to get to the desired consistency. Frost cooled cookies.

Makes 144 cookies.

=> Christmas Cookies Recipes: Mocha Fudge Cookies

A delicious cookie graced with coffee and cocoa flavors.

2 cups butter

4 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided

3 cups sugar

1 cup baking cocoa

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

3 cups packed brown sugar

8 eggs, beaten

3 tablespoons vanilla extract

8 cups all purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups walnuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a Dutch oven over low heat, melt butter and and 2 cups of chocolate chips. Remove from heat; stirring until smooth.

In a bowl, combine the sugar, cocoa and coffee; add to butter mixture. Stir in the brown sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to chocolate mixture. Stir in walnuts and remaining chocolate chips.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2-inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool.

Makes 222 cookies.

Christmas Cookies Recipes - Soft Mincemeat Cookies

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How To Make Painted Christmas Cookies

Who doesn't love the smell of fresh baked Christmas cookies? Part of the fun of Christmas for many folks is baking and decorating Christmas cookies. If you like to decorate sugar cookies during the holidays then you may enjoy letting your inner artist come out this year. How about trying your hand at painting your Christmas cookies this year? While at first glance they may seem difficult to accomplish, painting Christmas cookies is easy enough for children to help with.

Christmas cookie paint is actually a simple mix of egg yolk, water, and food coloring. After you've rolled out the dough and cut the shape you want, just paint on some playful designs, and bake your cookies as always. A couple of techniques can be used to place the designs on the dough. You can paint freehand or take a smaller cookie cutter and gently imprint or press the design to paint.

Cookies

Making the paint is easy. Use one egg yolk for every two colors you plan on using. Add ¼ teaspoon water, and beat with a fork until smooth. Divide the yolk mixture into two cups and stir enough food coloring in to make your desired shades. Keep in mind that the paint will dry out fast, so keep it covered when you're not using it. Stir in a little water to keep the paint a consistency that you can work with.

How To Make Painted Christmas Cookies

Easy Painted Christmas Cookies

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

¼ cup milk

2 tsp vanilla extract

4 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

¾ tsp baking soda

Egg Yolk Paint

Cream butter at medium speed and gradually add sugar, beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each egg. Add milk and vanilla, and mix well. Combine flour, baking powder, and soda; add flour mixture to creamed mixture, stirring until blended. Your dough will be soft. Shape dough into 2 balls; wrap each in waxed paper or plastic wrap and chill for 4 hours. Work with half of dough at a time; store remainder in refrigerator. Roll dough to 1/8 inch thick on floured board or waxed paper; cut with 2 ½ to 3 inch cookie cutters and carefully transfer cut cookies to lightly greased cookie sheets. Paint various designs on cookies using a small art brush and our Egg Yolk Paint. Bake at 375F for 6-8 minutes; cook on wire rack. Makes about 5 dozen.

Easy Egg Yolk Paint

1 egg, beaten

¼ tsp water

Food coloring

Combine egg yolk and water; stir well. Divide mixture evenly into 2 cups; tint as you desire with food coloring. Keep your paint covered until ready to use. If paint thickens, add a few drops of water and stir well. Makes about 1 ½ tablespoons. Prepare this recipe for every 2 colors of paint you want to use.

Painting Christmas cookies is so much fun that you might decide to start a new family tradition. Create these pretty cookies to give away as special gifts or use as tree ornaments. This is a great holiday activity for older kids to make Christmas gifts for Mom and Dad too. If you decide to make painted Christmas cookies as ornaments, just cut a small hole in the top of the cookies before you bake them. Thread colorful cord or ribbon through the hole after the cookies have cooled. Have fun and use your imagination!

How To Make Painted Christmas Cookies

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Christmas Party Games - Plan a Merry Event!

Christmas - games, parties and fun! Who can resist the joys of the holiday season all the decorations, traditions, contagious cheer and endless parties! If the holiday spirit has swayed you into hosting a Christmas party you've come to the right place! With a little planning you can host a memorable Holiday soiree that will be remembered long into the new year!

It's Just Around the Corner - Plan Early!

\"Decorated Cookies\"

In case you haven't noticed (but we're sure you have), the month of December is crazy busy and gets crazier as Christmas comes near. Best advice on this topic is to PLAN EARLY! Planning in November will assure you have time to organize the party and still tackle your own Christmas "To-do" list. You'll also be able to get the invitations out before your guest Christmas calendars fill up.

Christmas Party Games - Plan a Merry Event!

Mind the Pocketbook - Set a Budget

The first, and most important, step is to set a budget! Determine how much you can comfortably spend. Setting a budget (and sticking to it) will not only keep some Christmas cash in your pocket but will also help guide your party planning decisions.

The Whole Crew and Aunt Sue Too - Make the Guest List

Be realistic about how many guest you can handle. Take into account the size of your place and the work involved in entertaining a group. Remember too that 'tis the season to be jolly and someone will likely bring an extra guest or two. Better to have a shorter list of closest friends and family unless you plan to have some hosting help and can afford to feed and entertain a larger crowd.

Any Day Now - Choose a Day and Time

'Tis the season for full social calendars so choose your date early and wisely. If possible, it's best to give guest at least three weeks notice. Saturday is usually the best day for most people to attend but Sunday can be good too. Remember to consider your schedule, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare for the party and tend to your Christmas "To-do" list.

It's All about the Food - Plan the Menu

Your budget, guest list and party time will help guide this step. You can choose a potluck event a catered affair or anything in between. Perhaps a formal dinner and invite guest to bring their favorite dessert. The only rule on party food is the time of the party. If the hours of your party include the dinner hour you should serve heavier entree foods. Evening parties can serve lighter to heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Don't forget the beverages! Alcoholic drinks are not mandatory so don't feel obligated to serve them. Perhaps wine options are a better fit for your affair. If you do offer alcoholic drinks be sure to have alternatives for those who don't drink and designated drivers. Keep the bar drinks simple to avoid the added work of playing bar-tender and the extra expense of stocking the bar. Should any of your guests have one-too-many be sure they do not drive home.

Get the Party Started - Plan the Fun

Above all else your Christmas party should be fun! Plan fun activities to get the party started and keep it going.

- Christmas party games. Games are a great way to get your guest talking and mingling.

- Trim the tree. Have all your tree decorations out and let your guest trim your tree.

- Christmas caroling. Take the party outside and sing carols for your neighbors.

- Decorate cookies. Prepare a table with cookie icings and sprinkles and let your guest decorate the cookies. They get to take their decorated cookies home.

- Exchange gifts. Either secret Santa or grab bag style. Be sure to include this on your invitations along with a spending limit.

Ya'll Come - Send the Invitations

Now that the party plans are in place, it's time to send out the invitations. Remember, three weeks notice (or more) is best so get those out ASAP!

It's the Thought that Counts - Party Favors

This is not always necessary but it is nice to give each guest some small token of thanks for their attendance. This can be as simple as a slice of cake to-go to a beautifully wrapped party favor gift. Again the watch cry is...budget!

Count Down - Final Steps

Shop for decor and party accessory items 2 weeks before. This will give you time to find any items that prove hard to locate. If you plan to order Christmas party games or other party supplies online, shop three to four weeks before the party.

Buy Food items and beverages the night before the party. Also, prepare any food that can be prepared ahead of time the night before. This will give you time to decorate, prepare food and get ready for your guest.

There you have it, plans for a event full of Christmas party games and merriment! Have fun and remember, no matter what the budget or theme your guest will appreciate the time spent sharing the season's joys with family and friends Above all else, keep it fun and you can't go wrong!

Christmas Party Games - Plan a Merry Event!

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Unusual Christmas Cookie Recipes - Poinsettia Cookies

These baked flower cookies are almost too pretty to eat.

1 cup butter, softened

Cookies

1 cup confectioners' sugar

Unusual Christmas Cookie Recipes - Poinsettia Cookies

1 egg

2 to 3 drops red food coloring

2 1/3 cups all purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup finely crushed red hot candies

Cookie Frosting

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners' sugar. Beat in the egg and food coloring.

In another bowl, combine the flour and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the red hot candies.

Divide the dough in half; wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a a 12x10-inch rectangle. With a sharp knife, cut the dough into 2-inch squares. Place 1-inch apart on prepared baking sheets.

Cut through the dough from the corner of each square to within 1/2-inch of the center. Fold the alternating points of the square to form a pinwheel (one corner folded in, the other left sticking out); pinch gently at the center to seal. Repeat with remaining dough.

Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until set. Let cool.

Cookie Frosting

1 cup confectioners' sugar

4 teaspoons milk

Additional red hot candies

Directions

In a bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar and milk. Pipe 1/2 teaspoon of frosting into the center of each cookie; top with a red hot candy.

Makes 60 cookies.

=> Unusual Christmas Cookie Recipes: Mocha Cookie Pretzel Cookies

These cookies look like chocolate covered pretzels.

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

2 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups cake flour

Cookie Glaze

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Prepare baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.

In a small bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg. Beat in the melted chocolate and vanilla.

In another bowl, combine the flour and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until the dough is easy to handle.

Divide the dough into four parts. Divide each portion into 12 pieces. Shape each piece into a 6-inch rope. Twist into a pretzel shape. Place 1-inch apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until set. Cool completely.

Cookie Glaze

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon shortening

1 teaspoon light corn syrup

1 cup confectioners' sugar

3 to 5 tablespoons hot brewed coffee

2 squares white baking chocolate, chopped

Green colored sugar, optional

Directions

In the microwave, melt the semisweet chips, shortening and corn syrup; stir until smooth. Stir in the confectioners' sugar and enough coffee to achieve a glaze consistency. Dip cookies into the glaze; let excess drip off. Place on waxed paper and let set.

Melt the white chocolate, stir until smooth. Drizzle over cookies. Decorate with green sugar. Let stand until set.

Makes 48 cookies.

=> Unusual Christmas Cookie Recipes: Chocolate Filled Poppy Seed Cookies

A truly unique cookie featuring poppy seeds and a dollop of chocolate in the middle.

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

3 tablespoons poppy seeds

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a small bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla.

In another bowl, combine the flour, poppy seeds and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place 2-inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make an indentation in the center of each.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately make an indentation in the center again. Cool slightly and fill with melted chocolate.

Makes 78 cookies.

Unusual Christmas Cookie Recipes - Poinsettia Cookies

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Recipe for Traditional Swedish Christmas Cookies or Pepparkakor

In any traditional Swedish home, the smell of these home baked cookies will be found wafting throughout the home at Christmas time. The Swedes really love cooking for the holiday season and the Christmas Eve celebration is the highlight of the year.

Don't be worried by the literal translation of Pepparkakor, which means pepper cookies, it may have been that in olden times there was a little pepper in the recipe, but now there's just a tasty mix of spices.

Cookies

Christmas Spice Cookies or Pepparkakor

Recipe for Traditional Swedish Christmas Cookies or Pepparkakor

Makes about 2 dozen cookies

1. 8 ounces (2 sticks) butter
2. 1 1/2 cups sugar
3. 1 egg
4. 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
5. 1/4 cup orange juice
6. 2 teaspoons orange zest
7. 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
8. 2 teaspoons baking soda
9. 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
10. 2 teaspoons ground ginger
11. 2 teaspoons ground cloves

1. Preheat oven to 400˚ F.

2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Stir in egg, corn syrup, orange juice, and orange zest.

3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Stir flour mixture into the creamed butter until combined.

4. Roll dough out to 1/8 inch and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the oven. Cool cookies on wire racks.

These are a wonderful cookie recipe for children to make and taste even better when cut out with all manner of shape of cookie cutters!

Enjoy making and eating this traditional Swedish cookie recipe.

Recipe for Traditional Swedish Christmas Cookies or Pepparkakor

For further ideas for Swedish recipes [http://www.worldwide-recipes.com/swedish-recipes.html] and Christmas Recipes [http://www.worldwide-recipes.com], visit our website.

Swedish Christmas Cookies - A Recipe To Make Pepparkakor

Christmas is a special time in Scandinavia and Sweden in particular. Tradition and Heritage are extremely important to Swedish culture and there are many traditions which are widely upheld. In most traditional Swedish homes, the smell of home baked foods and desserts fill the air at Christmas time. The Swedes really love to cook and for many, the holiday season and the Christmas Eve celebration is the highlight of their year.

One recipe, which is very popular in Sweden, is for a cookie called the Pepparkakor.

Cookies

Pepparkakor, literally translated, means "pepper cookies" but I've yet to see a recipe that included any pepper. They are similar to the American gingersnap cookie but they are generally thinner, crisper and smoother in texture.

Swedish Christmas Cookies - A Recipe To Make Pepparkakor

Many refer to this cookie as a "ginger thin" and they are commonly called "gingernuts" in the United Kingdom. Besides their great taste, pepparkakor cookies are used as Christmas decorations as well. They are frequently shaped like little men or women, pigs, hearts or goats. If left round, they are decorated with frosting to give them more character.

Using a drinking straw, you can create a small hole in the pepparkakor cookie prior to baking. After the cookie has cooled, tie the cookie to the Christmas tree with a beautiful white or red colored ribbon.

Swedish Christmas Cookies or Pepparkakor

Makes 2-3 dozen cookies (depending on shape/size)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup molasses

3/4 cup white sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

8 ounces butter

2/3 cup water

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 egg

1 tablespoon light (or dark) corn syrup

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

Preparation:

The dough should be well-chilled before baking. You can either start a day early and chill overnight, or start preparing 1-2 hours before the cookies will be needed.

In a heavy pot, combine the molasses, sugars, spices and water. Turn the heat up and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring frequently.

Add the butter to the mixture (in pads or chunks) and remove the pot from the heat. Continue stirring the mixture until the butter has melted and the mixture is uniform in consistency. Pour the hot mixture into a large mixing bowl. In another bowl, combine the flour, corn syrup, egg and baking soda and whisk until well-blended. Combine with the hot mixture and stir until the dough has formed. Place the dough on a lightly floured board and knead for 1-2 minutes. Wrap the dough in waxed paper and chill until the dough is firm (1-2 hours or overnight).

On a lightly floured board, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch in thickness (the thinner, the crisper) and either cut into shapes or make round cookies about 2 inches in diameter. Put the cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and bake for 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool.

About the only thing left to do is to enjoy these fabulous Swedish Christmas cookies with the ones you love... Enjoy!

Swedish Christmas Cookies - A Recipe To Make Pepparkakor

Holly Hallberg studied French and Art History at the Sorbonne and graduated from the American University of Paris. As a lover of modern Scandinavian design and architecture, Holly travels each year to find new Scandinavian Designers and the products they create.

For modern Scandinavian design objects, furniture, clothing and toys, visit her online store at: http://www.huset-shop.com

Italian Christmas Cookies - Anise Cookies

Whether a part of the assortment of Italian Christmas cookies or at a baby shower or wedding, these anise cookies are constantly making an appearances at my family celebrations (With a simple drop of food coloring they're perfect for any occasion!) If the licorice taste of anise doesn't suit you, try using almond, vanilla or even lemon extract...they are all delicious!

Makes about 8 dozen

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Cookie Ingredients

Italian Christmas Cookies - Anise Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons anise extract (almond, vanilla or lemon can also be used!)
2 1/2 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
2-3 tablespoons milk
Icing Ingredients

2 cups confectioners' sugar
3-4 tablespoons milk
1/8 teaspoon anise extract (optional)
food coloring (optional)
sprinkles of your choice(optional)
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Prepare your cookie sheets or pans by covering them with parchment paper.

To prepare these Italian Christmas cookies, get a large bowl and combine the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take anywhere between 3 and 5 minutes. Crack in each egg, making sure to mix well after each one. Add your choice of extract.

Now combine the flour and baking powder, sifting it together so that there are no chunks of baking powder together. Take about a third of these dry ingredients and add them to the wet ones, using a hand or stand mixer to combine them. Then add about a tablespoon of milk. Repeat this process by adding another third of the flour mixture to your batter, and then another spoon of milk. The last batch of flour should be added very slowly, mixing in between so that you can determine how much flour is enough. You want the batter to be very easy to mold, but not sticking to your hands. The dough should not be stiff! If you add too much flour, try adding a few more drops of milk until the batter is easy to manage.

Using a tablespoon, drop balls of the batter onto the baking sheets, leaving space for them to bake and puff up in the oven.

Stick your pan in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until they puff up and the bottoms begin to turn a light golden brown.

While the cookies are baking, mix together the confectioners sugar, milk and extract of your choice (if you are using it). At this point you can also add food coloring if you want your icing to be a special color. White is also just as nice though!

After the cookies have mostly cooled, hold each one upside down and dip into your frosting glaze. flip it over and let it rest on a flat surface covered with wax paper. If you intend to use sprinkles, only dip a few at time and then sprinkle them, or else the frosting will harden and sprinkles will no longer stick. (If your frosting begins to harden before you are done dipping just microwave it for about 10 seconds to let melt again!)

Let the frosting harden to the touch, arrange on a plate and get ready to serve these Italian Christmas cookies to your family and friends!

Italian Christmas Cookies - Anise Cookies

http://www.tasty-italian-cooking.com