“Sweet as a Christmas cookie” is exactly how I would describe baking with kids. This is one of my favorite activities to do with my kids over the holidays. Watching the amazement in their faces as the raw ball of dough turn into mini Christmas trees or gingerbread men is pure magic. This year we are starting our season off with friends. We had Shannon from Dwell Main Line and her son, along with Gigi from Gilbert & Evans in Suburban Square with her two sons join in the fun. In total there were 8 little sets of hands creating magic in the kitchen.
Cookies are a fantastic way to say thank you. Hand them out to your kid’s teachers, the mailman, crossing guard and anyone else who you want to let know you appreciate. We started off with simple spritz cookies (recipe is below). The kids have so much fun decorating these with sprinkles, silver and gold balls and cinnamon dots. The more decorations, the better! Want to find more than just the average sprinkles? I always shop for all my sweet treats at Edward Freeman’s in Conshohocken- they carry vintage candy, bulk candy and tons of other goodies. Another must have with these cookies is a cookie press. It comes with loads of shapes for all occasions and its easy to use and easy to clean! We stuck to Christmas trees and wreaths but the options are endless!
Next up was the Gingerbread cookies. I always use Martha Stewart’s recipe because it is simple and delicious! When they come out of the oven, let them cool completely on a rack and then decorate with royal icing. This is a great opportunity to let your kids show their creativity! There is no wrong way to decorate!
When the cookies were cool and the icing had hardened it was time to pack them up. We got these little gift boxes from Michael’s craft store but you can use anything you have on hand. Wrap them up, label them and put them in the freezer. When it comes time to hand them out in a few weeks, you are ready to go! Both recipes freeze well and keep their freshness.
So order your cookie press, get out your rolling pin and bring the butter to room temperature. It’s cookie time!
Want to be in on all things Main Line? Check out Dwell Main Line! Need adorable Christmas pajamas for your kids? Get over to Gilbert & Evans in Suburban Square (pick up something for yourself while you are there too!).
Spritz Cookies
Simple and delicious cookies for any season!
Ingredients
- 2 sticks butter room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large egg yolk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp almond extract
- 2 1/4 cup flour
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Add and beat in 2 egg yolks, salt, vanilla and almond extract.
Sift the flour and add to the mixture. Blend well.
Put in a cookie press and press onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Decorate to your liking.
Bake for 8 minutes.