Christmas Cookies Galore

It's crazy to think that the holiday season is over. It felt like I blinked and suddenly it's 2013!

Last week I did some travelling: first to Florida to spend Christmas with Tony and his family (my first real Christmas celebration!) then to New Jersey to visit with my mom's side of the family. I had an absolutely wonderful time and wish the visits could have been longer!

Before leaving, my mom and I whipped up three batches of cookies to share with everyone. Two traditional: Linzer Cookies and Mexican Wedding Cookies (both that my grandmother used to make). One nontraditional: Chocolate Smooches.

All in one day.

Deeeeelicious.

First up: Linzer Cookies. We used this recipe from Bon Appetit. We didn't have star cutouts so we decided to use the heart cutouts that we have. This recipe is pretty time-consuming but it's a lot of fun to assemble!

I decided to bake the cutouts and make mini Linzer Cookie sandwiches. Two mini hearts with the strawberry filling sandwiched in between them and powdered sugar sprinkled on top. Too cute.

Next up: Mexican Wedding Cookies. We decided to use this recipe from Martha Stewart. Sticking to my grandmother's tradition, we made some into balls and some into crescents, and decided to nix the almond decoration.

Finally, the chocolate smooches. My mom found this recipe in the Chicago Tribune. At first glance it seems like any old chocolate cookie...but as soon as we made the batter we knew they were going to be divine. And divine they were.

 

(Two lucky ladies I won't be seeing for a while should keep their eyes out for a package in the coming week...!)

Did you do any baking for Christmas?

P.S. Hope you like my blog's new look!