2008 - From Berry to Spice, These Cookies Are Nice

Strawberry Shortbread boasts a glossy pink icing that's bursting with flavor.
 Snickerdoodle Croissants are swollen with cinnamon and toasted pecans.

Today I made Better Homes and Garden's Strawberry Shortbread, which I'm hoping Charlie will enjoy. The dough can be a bit difficult, mainly because it's very dry and crumbly (like all shortbread I've ever made). It just needs to be pulled together, wrapped in cling film and stored in the fridge for at least an hour.

They came out tasty enough — light and buttery — but I don't think the strawberry flavor says much. Mom made them too and said the same thing about hers! So I added an extra tablespoon of strawberry jam to the icing recipe. I was surprised at how good they were once they were iced (not being a huge strawberry fan) and had two when we got back from Boy Scouts. Charlie had one and said he liked it but I'm doubtful — or he would have had more! We wound up with about four dozen berry beatific cookies.

I also made the dough for yet another variety of Snickerdoodles — the Snickerdoodle Croissant Cookies, also from BHG. They were cute, fun and deliciously cinnamon-y! I'm always on the lookout for a good Snick — one where you can really taste the cinnamon — and these do the trick. I also like them because they have a unique appearance and look great on the cookie tray. What made them even more enjoyable was the addition of toasted pecans! I made nine no-nuts for Charlie but he didn't like them! I'll eat those too! Next year, I'll know better, though. Yield: 4 dozen.

I wanted to try Martha's Lemon Poppyseed Crisps but I'm sure I've run out of time (it's Dec. 18!). I still want to make another batch of Pumpkin Bread mini loaves and our last batch of Chex Party Mix for the season. 

The 2008 Christmas Cookie Tray features Sugar Cookie Cutouts,
Coconut Cream-Filled  Macaroons, Pumpkin Muffins, Chewy Molasses Spice Crinkles,
 Dunkable Brownies, Strawberry Shortbread and Snickerdoodle Croissant Cookies.