Cookies, Cookies and More Cookies

Also: Cookies. Plus: Cookies

Welcome to the 4th annual Secret Life of Cookies Holiday Cookie Countdown!

For us Secret Life of Cookie people, we know cookies are not just a one-season-of-the year kind of food. Imagine! That would be like saying “Ah, September, the month we make salads,” or “We enjoy breathing in April.”

In England there is an ad campaign around the holidays to ensure people don’t buy puppies to please the kids at the holidays, and then abandon them when it turns out the dining room table is puppy’s favorite chew toy. The slogan of the Dog’s Trust: “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.”

Kinda like cookies, right?

Over the next few weeks, you can expect all manner of holiday cookies, from classics like 1950’s bourbon balls (A request from a reader. I take requests!) and sherry bars, to some unexpected new flavor combos, savory treats, and ideas for gifts, such as homemade cookie mixes.

Tomorrow I’ll have a brand new recipe for you, plus all-new recipes and ideas every couple of days until the end of December. Stock up on butter and sprinkles, people. We’re going to do this right.

*Paid subscribers will receive a bonus recipe, in addition to the others, each week, plus other treats.*

While you wait, here are some recipe links for cookies you can make early in the month that will freeze nicely or sit quietly in an airtight tin in a cool place until it’s time to eat them. Some, like the lebkuchen, only get better with age. A sentiment I really like.

A List of Cookies that Last (if hidden from Cookie Monsters):

• Lush Lemony Melting Shortbread

• Mexican Wedding Cookies

• Mincemeat Shortbread Bars

• Spiced Orange Oatmeal Cookies

• Victorian Gingerbread

• 5-Spice Ginger Cookies

• Grandma’s Lebkuchen

• Four Different Sugar Cookies (including my all-time favorites)

  

  Have you started baking yet, or will you be sending these recipes to friends and family to have them bake for you?

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