Christmas Cookies

     My best friend used to make these cookies in high school. I am sure they are not all that rare because they are made with three perfect ingredients but I have yet to experience them outside of the hills of Happy Valley!

Ritz Christmas Cookies

--Ritz Crackers (I used reduced fat because obvi this is going to be a big difference in total calories consumed when you look at the other ingredients used.)
--Peanut Butter (if you use the organic runny kind be prepared to lick a lot of peanut butter off of your fingers once you are done making these cookies)
Bag of milk chocolate (preferably a good brand)

1. Spread peanut butter between two ritz crackers and make a sandwich. Repeat with about 2 sleeves of ritz crackers.
2. Prepare a few plates with waxed paper or parchment paper.
3. Melt chocolate in a double boiler (filled with boiling water).
4. Dip one end of the sandwich in the chocolate.
5. Place cookies on the parchment or waxed paper and cool in the refrigerator.

      This recipe was given to me by my mother who got the recipe from the mother-in-law of one of my other best friends from high school. These cookies are pretty simple and smell like Christmas in all its glory. Oh and if you are anemic (ahem, my pregnant friends... molasses has iron in it so gobble these up).. enjoy!

Nanny's Spice Cookies

3/4 cup shortening (I substitutes butter because I try to avoid using crisco unless I am making a decorative icing).
1 c. sugar
1/4 c. molasses
1 egg or 1/4 cup applesauce
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 tsp ground ginger

1. Melt butter in microwave until soft.
2. Inlarge bowl combine butter and sugar. Add egg until blended. Add molasses and blend again.
3. In separate bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Stir into the sugar mixture until well blended.
4. At this point you can place the dough in the refrigerator and chill for at least an hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll cookies into balls and place on cookie sheets. Bake for 9-10 minutes depending on whether you want them to be soft or crunchy.
PS. These cookies freeze well.

Seven Layer Cookies

1 stick butter
1 1/2 cups graham crackers
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup butterscotch chips (this is optional but why would you ever opt not to add?)
1 can Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk

Melt butter in a cake pan. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over butter. Top with remaining ingredients in the order above and press down firmly.

Bake 25 minutes or until lightly brown at 350 degrees.

**Unfortunately when I made these for the group, I added the milk after the graham crackers... my mom tells me that our family recipe has the milk as the final ingredient.... so that is why some of the butterscotch chips lost their footing! I have fixed this recipe for next time!

Grandma P's Sugar Cookies

1 C. butter (1/2 lb.)
1 1/2 C. sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 C. sifted flour
2 tsp. cream of tartar
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Cream butter. Add sugar gradually & beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Sift dry indredients together. Add gradually to creamed mixture. Chill thoroughly (3-4 hours). Roll on well-floured surface to about 1/8" to 1/4" thick. Cut in desired shapes.

Bake at 375 for 6 to 8 minutes on greased cookie sheet. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.
Decorate with sprinkles & your favorite frosting & enjoy!

Nestle Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (12-oz. pkg.)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans, in this case)
  

Directions
PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in morsels and nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

White Chocolate Cherry Cookies

Adapted from Mariani Company
Makes 4 to 5 dozen

Preheat oven to 350° F

Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (I used 1/2 whole wheat and 1/2 all purpose)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups dried cherries, chopped

Directions
Put margarine, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed 3 to 4 minutes, or until well mixed. Combine flour and baking soda. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture; mix well. Stir in white chocolate chips and dried cherries. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until light golden brown. Do not overbake. Transfer to wire rack to cool.