With a wonderful nutty flavor sprinkled with powdered sugar these never last for long. Which is why it might be good to double the batch.   Here we go!

Snowball Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup pecans, finely chopped
Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat
In a large bowl, beat together butter, ½ cup powdered sugar and vanilla until well combined

Mix in salt and flour until well combined

Stir in nuts

Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown
Remove from oven and cool slightly, about 2-3 minutes, on a wire rack
Add powdered sugar to medium bowl.

Roll cookies in powdered sugar and place on wire rack to cool completely

Store in airtight container.

Print

Snowball Cookies Recipe

It's not Christmas around our house until these cookies get baked. With a great nutty flavor sprinkled with powdered sugar, they will soon become a family favorite for you too.

Course Cookies, Holiday

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 9 minutes minutes

Servings 30 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
• Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat
• In a large bowl, beat together butter, ½ cup powdered sugar and vanilla until well combined
• Mix in salt and flour until well combined
• Stir in nuts
• Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown
• Remove from oven and cool slightly, about 2-3 minutes, on a wire rack
• Add powdered sugar to medium bowl
• Roll cookies in powdered sugar and place on wire rack to cool completely
• Store in airtight container

A wonderful addition to these cookies is eating them with some creamy hot chocolate.  It’s beginning to feel like Christmas already!

MORE great Christmas goodies!

English Toffee

Christmas Fudge

The post Snowball Cookies Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

With a chewy outside brownie for the cookie and a chocolate chip cookie dough as the filling, these cookies will be asked for over and over.

They are super simple to make but make a grand entrance once they are unveiled.   Let’s get to making these!

Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies

Ingredients:

1 box of brownie mix plus the ingredients to make the batter (or you can also use your own made from scratch recipe)

1 1/2 cups (three sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature

3/4 cup light brown sugar

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup all purpose flour

3/4 tsp salt

3 TBL milk

2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 bag of mini chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Prepare the brownie batter per the package instructions.

On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spoon drops of brownie batter leaving space for spreading

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops of the brownies start to crack.

Allow to cool on the cookie sheet.

While the brownies are cooling, beat the brown sugar and butter on high speed until creamy and fluffy.

Add in the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.

Add in the flour and the salt.  Blend until well combined.

Add the milk and vanilla.  Mix well.

Fold in 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips.

Spread this mixture on half of your “brownie cookies” then top with another brownie cookie. 

For even more chocolatey goodness, you can press or roll some extra mini chocolate chips to the sides of the cookies. 

Print

Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies

With a chewy brownie on the outside and some yummy cookie dough for the filling inside, these Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies will be asked for over and over again!

Course Cookies, Desserts

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes minutes

Servings 12 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 pkg Brownie mix plus the ingredients to make the brownie batter per the package instructions
• 1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature (3 sticks)
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3 TBL milk
• 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 bag mini chocolate chips, semi-sweet

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees
• Prepare the brownie batter per the package instructions.
• On a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, spoon drops of brownie batter leaving space for spreading
• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the tops of the brownies start to crack.
• Allow to cool on the cookie sheet.
• While the brownies are cooling, beat the brown sugar and butter on high speed until creamy and fluffy.
• Add in the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
• Add in the flour and the salt.  Blend until well combined.
• Add the milk and vanilla.  Mix well.
• Fold in 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips.
• Spread this mixture on half of your "brownie cookies" then top with another brownie cookie.
• For even more chocolatey goodness, you can press or roll some extra mini chocolate chips to the sides of the cookies. 

Notes

There are no eggs used in the cookie dough filling,  so these can be eaten without the worry of getting salmonella. 

Recipe adapted by The Tidy Mom

I am watching my little 4 year old grandson in two days and I am really going to score some Grammy points because we are going to make these cookies when he’s here.  Grammy for the win!

More cookie goodness for the grandkids!

Bomb Pop Cookies

Loft House Sugar Cookies

The post Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I have to admit, it does make them look rather special.

Whether you make these for a cookie exchange or are making them for grandkids, this Chocolate Crinkle Cookies recipe will be a favorite. 

Ingredients:

4 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
½ cup vegetable oil
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Place chocolate in microwave safe bowl
Heat for 30 seconds, stir and continue heating for 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating until completely melted

Set aside to cool
In a large bowl, beat together the oil, sugar and melted chocolate

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition

Add vanilla and beat well
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt

Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture until well combined

Transfer to bowl and cover with plastic wrap

Place in refrigerator to chill several hours or overnight
Remove from refrigerator and set on counter about 20 minutes to warm up slightly
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mat
Place powdered sugar in medium bowl
Roll dough into balls and coat with powdered sugar

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set
Remove from oven and let set on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes

Transfer to wire cooling rack and cool completely
Store in airtight container for up to 5 days

Print

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These festive Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are a favorite for cookie exchanges or just to make for family. You might want to double the batch!

Course Cookie, Cookies

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes minutes

Servings 48 cookies

Ingredients

• 4 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs large at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

• Place chocolate in microwave safe bowl
• Heat for 30 seconds, stir and continue heating for 10 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating until completely melted
• Set aside to cool
• In a large bowl, beat together the oil, sugar and melted chocolate
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition
• Add vanilla and beat well
• In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt
• Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture until well combined
• Transfer to bowl and cover with plastic wrap
• Place in refrigerator to chill several hours or overnight
• Remove from refrigerator and set on counter about 20 minutes to warm up slightly
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mat
• Place powdered sugar in medium bowl
• Roll dough into balls and coat with powdered sugar
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set
• Remove from oven and let set on baking sheets for 2-3 minutes
• Transfer to wire cooling rack and cool completely
• Store in airtight container for up to 5 days

Watch for more Christmas Cookies to come!

Need more cookies for a Christmas Cookie Exchange?  Here you go!

Candy Cane Cookie Recipe

Melting Snowman Cookies

Old Fashioned Gingerbread Man Cookie Recipe

The post Chocolate Crinkle Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

What do you call these?  All my life I’ve called these Scotcharoos with an “A”.  Then I see recipes out there that are called Scotcheroos with an “E”.  What??!!

Either way, I don’t think there is a kid alive that doesn’t like these. (This Grammy loves them and can eat a quite a few.) And our Scotcharoos (with an A) is the best because of a small little tweak that makes our soft and not too hard. Plus no cutting is required. Hallelujah!

If you’ve ever cut a pan of these, you know that can be a chore.  But with our recipe below, your Scotcharoos will be a breeze. So let’s get started.

Ingredients:

5  to 5 1/2 cups of Rice Krispies (This is our little secret.  DO NOT use 6 cups that is called for in every other recipe.)

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of corn syrup

1 cup of creamy peanut butter

1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup of butterscotch chips

Instructions:

In a large sauce pan, mix the sugar and corn syrup together to dissolve the sugar.

Bring to a boil and remove from heat.

Stir in peanut butter.

Add 5 cups of Rice Krispies.  If the mix looks too liquidy you can add up to another 1/2 up but do not add any more than that or your Scotcharoos will be hard.  This is the key to making them soft instead of hard. I pretty much always use 5 cups.

Line a muffin pan with liners and then spray with a non-stick spray.  You can use regular size muffin pans or mini muffin pans. 

Evenly distribute the Rice Krispie mixture into the muffin liners and lightly press down.

In a smaller sauce pan on low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips until smooth.

Spoon melted mixture over each Scotcharoo and with a spoon distribute evenly. You can double the chocolate mixture if you prefer a thicker chocolate frosting.

Let cool and then you are ready to serve and eat.  NO CUTTING REQUIRED! 

Isn’t that the best news ever?

I will be serving these to my grandkids this Sunday.  Who wants to bet that there won’t be a single one leftover?

Print

Best Scotcharoos Recipe

With one little tweak, this Scotcharoo recipe makes the best Scotcharoos because they are soft and not hard. Plus no cutting required!

Course Dessert

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 24

Author Debbie

Ingredients

• 5 cups Rice Krispies
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions

• In a large sauce pan, mix the sugar and corn syrup together to dissolve the sugar.
• Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
• Stir in peanut butter.
• Add 5 cups of Rice Krispies.  If the mix looks too liquidy you can add up to another 1/2 up but do not add any more than that or your Scotcharoos will be hard.  This is the key to making them soft instead of hard. I pretty much always use 5 cups.
• Line a muffin pan with liners and then spray with a non-stick spray.  You can use regular size muffin pans or mini muffin pans.
• Evenly distribute the Rice Krispie mixture into the muffin liners and lightly press down.
• In a smaller sauce pan on low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips until smooth.
• Spoon melted mixture over each Scotcharoo and with a spoon distribute evenly. You can double the chocolate mixture if you prefer a thicker chocolate frosting.
• Let cool and then you are ready to serve and eat.  No cutting required!

Either way, with an “A” or an “E”, these are a fun treat to make and even more fun eating them!

Do you need more Rice Krispies goodness in your life?  

Take a look at this!

Roasted Rice Krispies Treats

The post Best Scotcharoos Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

For some reason, when I make these cookies for my grandkids, I feel like they are a little healthier than regular cookies even though they have plenty of chocolate chips in them!  And boy, do my grandkids gobble them up!  These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies never last long once they know I’ve made them.

Here are the ingredients for these cookies:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice  (check out our great recipe for this!)
1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (reserve 1/2 cup for garnish)
1 cup chopped walnuts, optional 

Recipe Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat
In a large bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy

Add the pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla extract and beat until well combined
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices
Gradually add dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture until well incorporated

Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts, if using

Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets

Add the 1/2 cup chocolate chips on top to garnish.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned.

Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks
Place cookies in an airtight container and store for several days at room temperature; freeze for longer storage.

See how great they look?  They taste amazing too which is why they never last for long.  Which is why I’m on my way to make some right now!

Print

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yummy pumpkiny goodness in a soft cookie. And did I mention they have chocolate chips?

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 11 minutes minutes

Total Time 21 minutes minutes

Servings 50

Author TGIF - This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

• ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cup brown sugar packed
• 1 ½ cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts optional

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• In a large bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy
• Add the pumpkin, eggs, and vanilla extract and beat until well combined
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices
• Gradually add dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture until well incorporated
• Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts, if using
• Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets
• Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned.
• Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling racks
• Place cookies in an airtight container and store for several days at room temperature; freeze for longer storage

Are you in the mood for more pumpkin?  Take a look at these!!

The Best Pumpkin Muffins EVER

Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

The post Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year- peach season! So sweet, juicy, and flavorful. The perfect fruit. Have you picked up a box of peaches yet? If you’re looking for new, exciting peach recipes to try, check out this list of 25 peach goodies that will rock your summer!

1. Fresh Peach Crumb Bars– Ok, I’m already drooling at these pics from Saving Room For Dessert!

2. Peach Caramel Blondie Cheesecake– Omg, I think I just died and went to heaven. Check this out at Life, Love and Sugar.

3. Peach Cookies– Aren’t these cookies from Party Pinching gorgeous?

4. Peach Jam– The perfect pair with a slice of toast, or even better, on a waffle! Find it at Crystal & Co.

5. Peaches & Cream Scones– A Family Feast‘s scones make me want to sit out in garden with my fancy hat, and enjoy a cup of tea.

6. Healthy Caramelized Skillet Peaches– If you’re looking for something a little healthier (but still totally delcious!), you’ll love 90/10 Nutrition‘s recipe!

7. Ginger Peach Lemonade– Talk about refreshing! Try this recipe at Thyme & Love.

8. Homemade Peach Ice Cream– This ice cream from Events to Celebrate looks heavenly!

9. Peach Pretzel Salad Dessert– The Creative Bite‘s dessert is a perfect combination of sweet and salty!

10. Homemade Fresh Peach Crisp– Mmmm! I can already taste this peach crisp from Hostess at Heart!

11. Peach Hand Pies– These little pies from Shugary Sweets are the perfect treat for an outdoor picnic!

12. Peach Snickerdoodles– As if snickerdoodles weren’t already scrumptious enough, Butter with a Side of Bread added peaches- a snickerdoodle upgrade!

13. Easy Baked Peaches with Cinnamon Sugar Topping– Oh my, these peaches from I Heart Naptime are absolutely dreamy!

14. Ripe Peach Popsicles– The View from Great Island‘s popsicles are a fantastic way to cool down on a hot summer’s day!

15. Two Two Easy Peach Cobbler– Need something quick and easy? Check out our peach cobbler, right here at This Grandma Is Fun!

16. No Bake Peach Cream Pie– What is it about peaches and cream that makes them the perfect combination? Find this easy recipe at A Latte Food.

17. Peach Sorbet– Nothing feels better in the middle of summer than a nice, cold treat, like this one from Chef Not Required.

18. Peach Bread– Is this even real?! Tastes of Lizzy T‘s peach bread sounds too good to be true!

19. Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone & Honey– This dessert from Erhardts Eat is so simple yet elegant.

20. Peach Butter– Imagine spreading this on a slice of bread and enjoying it on your back patio in the early morning hours. Ah, pure bliss! Find this recipe at The Redhead Baker.

21. Peaches & Cream Empanadas– The picture alone is making my mouth water over Taste Made‘s empanadas!

22. Peach Pie Bars– Forget about slicing up a pie, now you can have it in a convenient, more delicious bar with Life Made Simple‘s recipe!

23. Peach Slushies– Kids are sure to love this fun treat from Bite of Delight!

24. Peach Upside Down Cake– Isn’t this cake from An Italian in My Kitchen beautiful? What a presentation! And it’s absolutely delicious!

25. Ridiculously Easy Peach Dumplings– When you have little kids running around the house, sometimes you need something quick and easy, like these yummy dumplings from Home Is Where the Boat Is!

What do you think about these 25 peach goodies that will rock your summer? Let us know which you’ll try first!
 

The post 25 Peach Goodies that will Rock Your Summer appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Summer looks a little different this year, and many of us have had to postpone our beach vacations for a season. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own backyard beach party! Get ready to dig out your swimsuit because we’re bringing the beach to you! Here are 23 ideas for a beach staycation! 

1. Beach and Sea Squish Bags– Kids can start to explore the wonders of the ocean with Fantastic Fun and Learning‘s sensory bags.

2. Water Fight Kit– Can’t have a beach day without water and Inner Child Fun‘s water fight kit is just the thing!

3. Butterscotch Crunch Starfish– These yummy starfish look almost real! Try this treat at Hungry Happenings!

4. Mason Jar Aquarium– Make this fun aquarium without all the maintenance at A Little Claireification.

5. Pool Noodle Fishing Game– Here’s a fun easy game from Happy Tot Shelf that is perfect for your littler grandkids!

6. Shark Fruit Salad– Maybe if sharks tried some fruit salad, they wouldn’t be such dangerous predators anymore…. Find this amazing idea at Kid Friendly Things to Do.

7. Marbled Seashell Art– Turn seashells into a work of art with Projects with Kids‘s marbles seashells.

8. Flying Fish Catch– A fun, easy water game from Mrs. Plemon’s Kindergarten  that kids will love!

9. Glitter Fish Painted Rock– Learn how to make these beautiful rocks at I Love Painted Rocks.

10. Sea Glass Candy– Happiness is Homemade ‘s sea glass candy looks almost too real and pretty to eat…. almost….

11. Beach Water Table– Little hands will love exploring the wonders of the ocean with Sugar, Spice, and Glitter‘s fun water table idea!

12. Beach Fruit Dip– This fun fruit dip is a kid favorite! Make it right here at This Grandma is Fun!

13. No-Sew Felt Mermaid Headband– If you have a mermaid for a granddaughter, then you will love Lia Griffith‘s pretty and simple headband!

14. Shark Surfboard Craft– Nothing says the beach like sharks and surfing. Find this craft at Artsy Momma.

15. Clam Cookies– If you’re looking for a treat that is easy but eye-catching, then this is the treat for you! Check it out at Frugal Coupon Living.

16. DIY Slip and Slide– For some natural beach waves in your hair, you’ll have to try All Things Thrifty‘s slip and slide! It’s sure to do the trick!

17. Candy Seashells– Just from the picture, I know I’d be snacking on these gorgeous chocolates all day long. Learn how to make them at The American Patriette.

18. Jellyfish Races– Bring out the family competition with Living Porpoisefully‘s exciting game!

19. Ocean Sand Art– What’s the beach without sand? Make beautiful works of art with The Growing Creatives‘s sand activity.

20. Mermaid Ice Excavation– This activity from Mama. Papa. Bubba. is sure to keep the kids occupied for hours. Perfect for when you need a break!

21. Flip-Flop Sandwiches– These sandwiches from Cutefetti really are the cutest!

22. Water Balloon Volley Ball– A true summer classic, this game from It’s Always Autumn fits right in with a beach staycation!

23. Beach Books– When it’s time for a little bit of quiet, Fantastic Fun and Learning‘s got you covered with this list of beach themed books the kids are sure to love!

Which of these 23 ideas for a beach staycation are you going to try out first?

The post 23 Ideas for a Beach Staycation appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

To get started with these cookies, you are going to want our Cream Cheese Sugar Cookie recipe found here.  I know that you have to make another click to get the recipe, but I am promising you right here and now, IT IS WORTH IT!  However, if you are in a hurry, you can always use premade sugar cookie dough. 

Here are the additional items you will need for the decorating: Red, green and white frosting, black and green gel icing, triangle cookie cutter, and tongue depressors.

Roll your cookie dough per the recipe or the premade dough.  Cut your triangles out.

Lay your tongue depressors on a cookie sheet leaving enough room to lay the triangle dough on top.

Bake as directed by our sugar cookie recipe or per the packaged dough. Start with the red frosting and frost the watermelon part of the cookie.

Next comes frosting the white part of the rind.

Take your green gel and make lines to look like the green watermelon rind.

And last but not least, with your black gel, create the black watermelon seeds.

Let the frosting dry a little and then watch these yummy treats disappear!

Recipes that kids can really help and get creative are my favorite kind of recipes.  I would say this one really fits that bill and that we will be making them again.  Hope you enjoy!

More Watermelon goodness with our…

Watermelon Whoopie Pies

Watermelon Cupcakes

Watermelon Flower Pots

The post Watermelon Cookies on a Stick appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

There are so many reasons to love the holiday season: the lights, the snow, the Nativity, family, friends, music! It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. I have to admit though- my favorite part (aside from the celebration of Jesus Christ) is definitely the treats. I like to call Christmas season, “Let-out Season,” because in a couple weeks, I’m going to have to let out my jeans. Mercifully, New Year’s will come and January will be spent working off all those pounds as part of my resolution. If you’re anything like me and live for holiday baking, then you’ll love our list of 101 cookies to bake this Christmas!

Take out the hand rolling and make cookies into easy to cut bars. 

1. Santa’s Peanut Butter Cookie Bars– These cookie bars from Together as Family are named after Santa because they are his favorite.

2. Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars– The pistachio pudding adds a festive green color to these cookies from Creations by Kara.

3. Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars– You know if it has the word, “gooey,” in it, it’s going to be good. Find this cookie at Recipe Girl.

4. Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting– Forget gingerbread houses! Try Lauren’s Latest‘s gingerbread bars instead!

5. Magic Cookie Bars– What makes Living Well Mom‘s cookie bars magic, you ask? Not only are they easy to make, but they are absolutely delicious! I’d say that’s pretty magical!

6. Buddy the Elf’s Spaghetti Cookie Bars– If you try to stick to the four main food groups of candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup, you’ll love 12 Tomatoes‘s fun recipe!

7. Peppermint Cookie Bars– One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the addition of peppermint into everything, like these cookie bars from Bake It Paleo!

8. Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Bars– What is it about cranberries and white chocolate that makes them the perfect combination? These cookies from Unicorns in the Kitchen look so dreamy!

9. Chocolate Chip Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars– Swanky Recipes‘s shortbread bars make a beautiful, festive presentation!

10. Chocolate Caramel Cookie Bars– Chocolate- good. Caramel- great. Put them together- AMAZING! Try Salty Side Dish‘s chocolate caramel cookie bars for amazing flavor!

11. Home-made Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars– For fans of this classic cookie, you’ll love The Baking Chocolatess‘s recipe.

If I lived in a house made of gingerbread, I would definitely not be interested in eating children. I mean, c’mon. It’s a house made of gingerbread! 

12. Caramel Stuffed Soft Gingerbread Cookies– The picture already has me drooling. Find these cookies at Belle Vie.

13. Frosted Gingerbread Cookies– If gingerbread is already delicious, can you imagine it with frosting? Baker by Nature‘s got it right with their cookies!

14. Gingerbread-Raspberry Sandwich Cookies– Flour Arrangements‘s sandwich cookies look both dainty and tasty!

15. Gingerbread Cookies-For anyone looking for a classic gingerbread recipe, look no further than Sally’s Baking Addiction!

16. Soft Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies– Sugar Hero‘s cookies are sure to wow everyone at your next cookie exchange party! So elegant!

17. Eggnog Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies– A Cookie Named Desire combined to classic Christmas treats into one with this recipe!

18. Gingerbread Cookie Bites– How fun are these mini cookies from Butter with a Side of Bread?

19. Gingerbread Whoopie Pies– Forget Oreos! Christmas time calls for these whoopie pies from Carlsbad Cravings!

20. Gingerbread Cookies with Lemon Frosting– Taste of Home‘s cookies are sure to become a new family favorite this year.

21. White Chocolate Peppermint Ginger Snaps– Oh, Sweet Basil‘s ginger snaps have “delicious” written all over them!

I love sugar cookies any time of the year, but for some reason, they just seem to especially fit for Christmas. They’re cheery and colorful, just like the Christmas season.

22. Sugar Cookie Truffles– Did you know you could make sugar cookies into truffles? Neither did I until I saw If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen‘s recipe. My life has been changed.

23. Candy Cane Sugar Cookie Truffle– A sugar cookie truffle homage to the iconic candy cane. Try this treat at Tastes of Lizzy T.

24. Sprinkled Spiral Sugar Cookies– Is it just me, or are Pip & Ebby‘s cookies weirdly mesmerizing in a delicious sort of way? I can’t stop staring.

25. Christmas Meltaway Cookies– If “meltaway” isn’t enough to convince you to try these cookies from Dessert Now, Dinner Later, I don’t know what will.

26. Hot Chocolate Cookies– For true fans of hot chocolate, I give you- the hot chocolate sugar cookie from Savory Experiments!

27. Grandma Lucille’s Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies– As soon as I saw these cookies were from Grandma Lucille, I knew they had to be good. Find the recipe at Chef Alli.

28. Christmas Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies– I personally am a big believer in soft sugar cookies, like The Toasty Kitchen‘s. Mmmm, like a little piece of heaven!

29. Eggnog Amish Sugar Cookies– I’m sure I’m not the only one who has tried to think of as many ways as possible to get more eggnog into my diet. Thankfully, I found The Gold Lining Girl‘s recipe. For the rest of you eggnog lovers- you’re welcome.

30. Peppermint Crunch Sugar Cookies– Dress up your sugar cookies with this easy idea from Hot Beauty Healthy.

31. Chocolate Swig Sugar Cookies– If you have not had the pleasure, nay, the blessing of trying a Swig sugar cookie, I beg you to go bake this recipe from Bake. Eat. Repeat. right now. I mean it. Get up. Go to the kitchen. Start baking. You will not regret it.

Sometimes, our ovens are already overflowing with food. That’s where these little no-bake wonders come in!

32. Reindeer Poop Cookies– For those with a more refined taste, try these poop cookies from Midget Momma. Pinkies out! (that only works for tea, huh?)

33. Avalanche Cookies– Simple, easy, delicious… Need I say more? Try this recipe at Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts.

34. Holiday Praline No-Bake Cookies– Just to make you even more excited about this recipe from My Montana Kitchen, it also contains sweetened condensed milk.

35. Salted Caramel Coconut Macaroons– With a blog name like Life, Love and Sugar, I’m sure they knew what they were doing with this recipe!

36. Caramel- Pecan Cookie Balls– Rich and nutty, just the way I like’em! Go to My Food and Family for the recipe.

37. Mint Chip Cookies– Doesn’t the picture look heavenly? Learn to make these cookies at Food Ahead.

38. Muddy Buddy Crack Cookies– As if muddy buddies weren’t already delicious, Back for Seconds, went and put them in a cookie. It’s like I’ve died and gone to cookie heaven.

39. No Bake Samoa Cookies– I know everyone has their own opinions on this, but I firmly believe that Samoa cookies are the superior cookie out of the Girl Scout cookie line. I can’t wait to try The Domestic Rebel‘s recipe.

40. Almond Joy Cookies– Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t! If you feel like a nut today, you’ll love Mom’s Dinner‘s recipe!

41. Christmas Wreath Cookies– A perfect treat for Christmas from The First Year, although I would not recommend hanging this on your front door.

Is short bread bread? Or is it cookie?

42. Butterscotch Shortbread Cookies– Mom on Timeout‘s shortbread is like the final form of shortbread. My mind can’t even handle how scrumptious these cookies are.

43. Easy Chocolate Chip Whipped Shortbread– I have no idea what a “whipped” shortbread is, but I definitely want to find out with this recipe from An Italian in My Kitchen!

44. Swiss Mountain Shortbread Christmas Cookies– Kim Power Style‘s cookies are sure to be a hit at your Christmas cookie exchange!

45. Maple Pecan Shortbread Cookies– My Baking Bliss‘s maple shortbread is the perfect cookie to come home to after a fun day in the snow.

46. Sugar Plum Shortbread Christmas Cookies– For those of you who dream of sugar plum fairies and shortbread cookies, this recipe from Wicked Good Kitchen is for you.

47. Cranberry Orange Brown Sugar Shortbread– Tart and sweet work together in this delicious cookie from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs.

48. Easy Peppermint Shortbread Cookies– The refreshing taste of peppermint combined with the comforting taste of shortbread. Try this recipe at Cheese Curd in Paradise.

49. Jam Christmas Shortbread Biscuits– My Food Book‘s shortbread cookies look like something I could eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

50. Toffee Pecan Shortbread Cookies– Did you say toffee?! Count me in! Go to Beautiful Life and Home for the recipe.

51. Dark Chocolate Strawberry Shortbread– Spoil yourself with these decadent cookies from Apple of My Eye.

So many ways to make these treats! Really, I could’ve just kept adding them to this list, but decided I had to give the other cookies a chance. 

52. Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies– Back with another rich eggnog recipe for you from White Lights on Wednesday.

53. Peanut Butter Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies– Here is just one more way from Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch to enjoy peanut butter and chocolate together. I mean really, can there ever be too many ways to eat them?

54. Raspberry Walnut Thumbprint Cookies– The Kitchen Magpie‘s recipe will have everyone asking for more!

55. Twix Thumbprint Cookie– As a long time fan of the Twix candy bar, I approve of this cookie from The Recipe Critic.

56. Peppermint Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie– Feel free to disagree, but peppermint Hershey Kisses are the best Hershey Kisses, and wait until you try them in this recipe from Small Town Woman.

57. Neapolitan Thumbprint Cookies– If you thought you loved neapolitan before, you’ll go crazy for Girl Versus Dough‘s thumbprint cookies!

58. Red Velvet and Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies– Cheesecake. That’s right. I said, “Cheesecake.” Give yourself the cheesecake you deserve with this recipe from DIY Candy

59. Grinch Cookies– If you’re a fan of the Grinch, you’ll love these cookies from No. 2 Pencil!

60. Pecan Thumbprint Cookies– Scrappy Geek‘s cookies are like eating little pecan pies!

61. Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies– These cookies from Cooking Classy are perfect for anyone who needs an easy recipe that looks and tastes like you slaved away in the kitchen all day.

They’re called snowballs. It’s like they were made specifically for this time of year. You can’t eat snowballs in the middle of July! That’s when you switch to calling them Mexican wedding cookies.

62. Lemon Snowball Cookies– These cookies from Live Well, Bake Often are melt in your mouth good!

63. Cherry Pistachio Snowball Cookies– Lemons for Lulu‘s snowball cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

64. Double Chocolate Snowball Cookies– If chocolate is the food that speaks to your soul, you’ll love Crazy for Crust‘s snowball cookies!

65. Jam-filled Snowball Cookies– Surprise your friends and family with the sweet surprise in these cookies from Christmas Cookies and Blog.

66. Sprinkle Snowball Cookies– What could be more festive than sprinkles? These cookies from In Katrina’s Kitchen are perfect for holiday parties.

67. Peppermint Snowball Cookies– In case you are as crazy for peppermint as I am, here is another tasty peppermint recipe from Joyful Momma’s Kitchen.

68. Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies– I know that someone reading this is a peanut butter fanatic. To that peanut butter fanatic, this recipe from Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog is for you!

69. Grinch Snowball Cookies– I think if the Grinch had his own good little batch of snowball cookies to begin with, he probably never would have tried to steal Christmas. Of course, then we wouldn’t have a story… Find this fun recipe that could have saved Christmas at The Soccer Mom.

70. Nutella Stuffed Snowball Cookies– Nutella makes everything better. Toast + Nutella= Amazing. Crepes + Nutella= Heavenly. Snowballs + Nutella= No words can describe. Try for yourself at Momsdish.

71. Chocolate Mint Truffle Snowball Cookies– This recipe from Inside BruCrew Life is what dreams are made of.

These tasty cookies are so special, they are in a category all their own. 

72. No Roll, 5 Ingredient Cake Mix– This recipe from Together as Family is so good and so easy, it’s almost criminal.

73. Lemon Cream Cheese Cookies– This recipe from Domestically Speaking has lemon and cream cheese. Do your really need any more convincing?

74. Eggnog Cookies– Maybe you should try dipping this delectable cookie from Cake Whiz in eggnog too? You can never have too much eggnog, am I right?

75. Cinnamon Roll Cookies– That’s right. Everyone’s favorite treat also comes in cookie form as seen at Sugar Spun Run.

76. Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies– Even the Grinch couldn’t turn down these babies from Dear Crissy!

77. Forgotten Cookies– That’s right. The Mom Bob‘s cookies recipe is so easy, you pop them in the oven over night and “forget about them,” until the morning. That’s my kind of cookie!

78. Cream Cheese Pistachio Cookies– Dishes Delish‘s cookies are soft with a nice little crunch to it.

79. Raspberry Pinwheel Cookies– One of the lovely things about Upstate Ramblings‘s cookies is that you can substitute raspberry jam with strawberry instead.

80. Italian Ricotta Cookies– If these cookies from Becky’s Baking Delights are what they’re eating in Italy, I think it’s time for a move to the Mediterranean!

81. Maple Snickerdoodle Cookies– Maple syrup brings an added to warmth to food, just like in these cookies from Busy Being Jennifer.

82. Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies– These cookies from Dinner at the Zoo are both beautiful and delicious!

You can never go wrong with chocolate. Never. It’s a rule. If you make chocolate cookies,  they will be loved. No matter what. 

83. Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookies– Turn this classic cookie into a holiday treat with Buns in My Oven‘s recipe.

84. Neiman Marcus Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies– Make these famous cookies with this recipe from Angela Lanter.

85. Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies– According to The Seasoned Mom, these are the cookies her family waits for all year long. Yes, they are that good!

86. Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookies– I Heart Eating‘s cookies have a nice little kick to them!

87. Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookie Sticks– Who says cookies need to be circles? Use Tatertots & Jello‘s recipe to make cookies that are perfect for dipping in hot cocoa!

88. Cinnamon Swirl Chocolate Chip Cookies– If Plain Chicken‘s cookies are wrong, I don’t want to be right.

89. Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies– These cookies from House of Nash Eats are a perfect way to satisfy your love for both chocolate and pecans.

90. Brookies– This particular treat from The Seaside Baker holds a special place in my heart as “Brookie” is one of the nicknames I was called growing up. Not to mention how yummy they are!

91. S’moreo Cookies– You can’t go wrong with America’s favorite cookie baked inside of America’s other favorite cookie, right? Check out this treat at Lights, Camera, Bake!

92. Chocolate Crinkle Cookies– Kleinworth & Co.‘s crinkle cookies are all fudgey, chocolatey goodness.

93. Mint Chocolate Andes Cookies– The Diary of a Real Housewife‘s mint cookies are the reason I believe there is still goodness in the world.

94. Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies– Liv For Cake‘s cookies are perfect for dark chocolate lovers!

95. Chocolate Dipped Oreo Snowflakes– If you need something easy, try these pretty Oreos from I Heart Naptime.

96. Christmas Kiss Cookies– I love the festive sprinkles on these merry little cookies from What Megan’s Making.

97. Chocolate Cherry Cookies– I can’t get over how beautiful these cookies from Small Town Woman are!

98. Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies– The Food Charlatan‘s cookies son ricosos!

99. German Chocolate Cookies– If it’s good as a cake, then you can’t go wrong making it into a cookie, as see here at Dessert and Cake Recipes.

100. Homemade Mint Chocolate Oreos– I am an Oreo addict. Seriously. These cookies from The Recipe Rebel are not helping my addiction- but I have no regrets!

101. Chocolate Cookies with Marshmallow Frosting– Sticky ooey-gooey goodness on top of a decadent chocolate goodness! Try it out at Two Sisters Crafting!

The post 101 Cookies to Bake this Christmas appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Hey ya’ll, Molly and Chelsea here! We’re the besties and food bloggers from Bests and Bites. We’ve been best friends for over 20 years (so like, 90% of our lives) and we love nothing more than food, health/fitness and pool days! We’re so glad we could share this recipe with you and hope you love making it this summer!

Guys! There is nothing we love more than a warm and gooey chocolate chip cookie! We’ve (literally) spend years perfecting this recipe and today we put a twist on it to celebrate one of our favorite summer flavors: rocky road!

When we were young babes Molly’s dad would go to the grocery store and stock up on Rocky Road. After a long hard day of swimming( seriously, we used to spend around 9 hours at the pool a day), we would take our showers and sit down on the couch with a big bowl of Rocky Road to finish the night.

It was a dream.

So this summer we wanted to re-create one of our favorite summer traditions by adding it to a classic. AND IT WAS AWESOME. One of the best creations that’s come out of the Bests and Bites kitchen. They are that good.

There are a couple of tricks to making these just right!

Like any baked good, you have to be precise in your measuring or the end result won’t be perfect. That means:

• Measure the flour just right by spooning the flour from the bag into the measuring cup and scraping the top
• Make sure you’ve got room temperature butter for the best consistency
• Do not overbake!
• Toast the marshmallows to perfection

That last one is key, trust us. There were a couple (a dozen) cookies that got a littleeee too toasty. We ended up squatting by the oven when it’s on broil to physically watch the marshmallows and pull them out at the exact right time.

For us it was about 35 seconds to golden brown perfection.

If you follow these tips you will end up with the most chewy and soft rocky road cookies that everyone will love to eat this summer!

Print

Rocky Road Cookies

Servings 24

Ingredients

• 2¼ cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3.4 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds plus extra for topping
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts plus extra for topping
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda and salt and set aside.
• Using a stand or electric mixer, combine the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the pudding mix, vanilla and eggs until well combined.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Add chocolate chips, almonds and walnuts and stir with a rubber spatula.
• Measure out dough into two large tablespoons and roll into a ball then drop onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly golden and just set on the top. Pull cookies out and turn on the broiler. Top cookies with more almonds, walnuts and marshmallows. Place back in the oven until marshmallows are lightly golden on top, about 30-40 seconds. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes then transfer to a baking rack to cool completely.

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The post Rocky Road Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I’ve heard of pudding cookies, of course, but I never thought much of them. That is, until I started this blog post and found all these delicious recipes on Pinterest. Not only are there endless options for pudding cookies, but they all look AMAZING!!

Here are 21 pudding cookie recipes to try right now!

1. Let’s start with a twist on a classic recipe. The chocolate chip pudding cookie. Who knew you could make a chocolate chip cookie even better?!

2. Let’s add a little more chocolate in there with the Quadruple Chocolate Soft Fudgy Pudding Cookies.

3. Oreo Pudding Cookies. Oreos and pudding?  My wildest dreams have come true.

4. White Chocolate Funfetti Pudding Cookies. What kid doesn’t like funfetti?  These will be sure to be gobbled up in no time.

S’more Pudding Cookies  You had me at S’mores.

6.  Sometimes you just want to stick with the classic. For those times, there are Vanilla Pudding Cookies.

7. The sweet and salty are such a great pair in these Butterscotch Chip Pudding Cookies. Yum!

8. Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cookies. A perfect treat for fall!

9. Sticking to the seasonal theme, next we have Peppermint White Chocolate Pudding Cookies.

10. Fruity Pebbles Pudding Cookies. Since there’s cereal in them these count as breakfast, right?

11. Crunchy on the outside, moist and chewy on the inside these Root Beer Float Pudding Cookies are full of  root beer flavor. Yummmm!

12. Strawberries N Cream Pudding Cookies. Now these sound amazing! I love strawberries and cream!

13. I’ve never met a lemon that I didn’t like so pass me these Lemon Pudding Cookies please!

14. Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies. With Reese’s Pieces these are cookies that E.T. will want to phone home about!

15. Vanilla Pudding Snickerdoodles. Just when I thought snickerdoodles couldn’t get any better!

16. Pistachio and White Chocolate Pudding Cookies. Perfect for Easter and St. Patrick’s Day! Or any time, for that matter. They look delicious!

17. Strawberry Pudding Cheesecake Cookies. Just look at the inside of these cookies. They look amazing!!

18. Staying on the cheesecake theme with Peanut Butter Cheesecake Pudding Cookies!

19. Lucky Charms Cookies. Another cookie that I’m counting as breakfast!

20. M & M Pudding Cookies! M & M’s make everything better, don’t they?

21.  There must be cinnamon and cheesecake in heaven because these Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Cookies are heavenly!

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a lot of new cookie recipes to try. I have now been convinced of the deliciousness of pudding cookies! Happy baking!

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The post 21 Amazing Pudding Cookies To Try Right Now! appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Cookies for breakfast? Definitely, when they are this delicious.

Hello Made For Pinterest readers, it’s Celeste again from The Whole Serving, here with a delicious breakfast cookie for you.

I love cookies, and I love them even more when they give me the energy boost I need before or after a morning run or when I get the late afternoon munchies. When I make cookies it’s usually chocolate chip, sugar or any other really sweet cookie.  I decided to give breakfast cookies a try after seeing a commercial for some on TV.

I’m always trying to get my 20 year-old to eat breakfast, but she says it makes her stomach upset when she eats before 10 in the morning. I don’t know why. But mid morning she needs the energy. She likes cookies, so I decided to make these for her so after her first class she would have the energy pick-me-up she needed to make it until she eats lunch, which happens to be around 1:30 in the afternoon, after her classes.

It’s a versatile recipe, I used almonds and almond butter because my daughter has a peanut allergy. Feel free to use whatever nut butter is your favorite.

When baking them you can make them flat or keep them round.

If you are like my daughter and can’t stomach a big breakfast in the morning, give these Almond Butter Breakfast Cookies a try. I like to have mine with fresh fruit with yogurt and coffee.

Print

Almond Butter Breakfast Cookies

Servings 35

Author Celeste @The Whole Serving

Ingredients

• COOKIES
• 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons natural cane sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2/3 cup almond butter
• 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/2 cup almonds roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes
• GLAZE
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons almond milk
• 2 tablespoons almond butter

Instructions

• Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and line a shallow baking pan with parchment paper.
• Place the flour, baking soda, baking powder,sugar, salt and oats in a medium bowl, whisk to combine and remove any lumps.
• Add the almond butter, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut oil to the flour mixture, mix until well combined.
• Add in the remaining ingredients and combine until well incorporated.
• Using a mellon scoop or spoon, scoop up about 2 tablespoons of the dough and place on baking pan. If you want a flat cookie simply flatten with your fingers before baking.
• Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
• This part is totally optional -- While cookies are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, almond milk until well combined. Add the almond butter and mix until mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Allow cookies to cool before drizzling glazing over cookies.

If you like this, you may enjoy some of my other creations over at The Whole Serving. Here are a few of my latest creations, stop by a check them out.

Blood Orange Turmeric Loaf

Raw Gluten-Free Tacos

Strawberry Basil Farro Salad

The post Almond Butter Breakfast Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

The first batch that I made of these cookies were too much for just my husband and I to eat by ourselves so I took them to our next door neighbor’s. They have a lot of kids and I thought it would be fun for them to have these as an after school treat.   Their oldest teenage daughter answered the door and pretty much before I could say anything, she excitedly asked “Are those Swig cookies?!!”

I was cool right then and there.

I then made them again for Valentine’s Day and my daughter inhaled them saying that they were much better because I had made them with almond extract instead of vanilla.  It’s kind of my signature cookie secret.

Bam. Cool again.

Print

Swig Sugar Cookie Recipe

Course Dessert

Author This Grandma is Fun

Ingredients

Cookies

• 5 cups flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cream of tartar
• 1 cup 2 sticks softened butter
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 1¼ cup sugar
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 TBL water
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp almond extract. Can also use vanilla
• Additional 1/2 cup sugar for dipping your glass into to smash cookies. Do not add this into the cookie mix.

Frosting

• 5 tablespoons Land 'o' Lakes butter softened
• ⅓ cup + 1 TBL sour cream
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2-3 TBL milk
• 3.5 to 4.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract. Can also use vanilla.
• 1 drop red food coloring. I used two drops of neon pink.

Instructions

Cookies

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a separate mixing bowl, mix flour, salt, baking soda and cream of tartar. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar and powdered sugar until well blended.
• Slowly pour in oil while mixing all the time.
• Add water, almond extract and eggs, blending well.
• Add dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
• Roll cookie dough into 2 inch balls.
• Put the additional 1/2 cup sugar into a small bowl.
• Place the 2 inch balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet about 3 inches apart because they will spread.
• Place a glass into the sugar (you may need to press the glass against some cookie dough to get the sugar to start to stick) and then press into the balls of dough.
• 
• Press until cookies are about 1/2 inch thick. The edge will become jagged and the cookie will spread beyond the bottom of the glass.
• 
• Bake for only 8 minutes. You do not want to over bake these cookies. 8 minutes is just about perfect.
• Remove cookies from cookie sheet and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
• If you aren't going to frost these cookies right away, place them in an airtight container until ready to frost. This is what keeps them moist. I usually layer them in a gallon size ziploc bag.

Frosting

• Cream together butter, sour cream and salt.
• Add powdered sugar and add milk as needed.
• Add almond extract and food coloring (1 drop red OR two neon pink) until well blended.
• Add either more milk or more powdered sugar as desired. I like my frosting on the thicker side.
• Spread over cooled cookies and serve immediately.
• You can also allow the icing to dry a little then place in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Notes

Recipe adapted from The Idea Room

If you want to be a “cool Grandma” to your teenage grandkids, make a batch of these Swig Sugar Cookies.  If your teenage grandkids don’t know about these cookies, then you’re already cooler then they are.

Toodles!

The post Swig Sugar Cookie Recipe appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Hi! This is Amber from “Rick-a-Bamboo” and I love shortbread. It is the perfect combination of crispy, buttery, and sweetness. These have a little something extra as well. Sprinkles. Every cookie is more fun with sprinkles. Kids especially love the addition of sprinkles.

The recipe is super simple and they bake up so quick that you can easily whip them up any time. These flavorful cookies are made with ingredients you already have on hand.

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Sprinkle Shortbread Bites

Author Amber Simmons

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 4 tsp sprinkles

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325.
• Prepare an 8 x 8 pan with parchment. Prepare a cookie sheet with parchment.
• In a mixer, cream butter, sugar, and vanilla together until fluffy.
• Turn mixer down to low and add flour and salt.
• Once it is mixed throughly add the sprinkles.
• Press dough in to the pan.
• Lift the parchment out of the 8 x 8 pan.
• Cut the dough in to 1/2" squares. Move squares to the cookie sheet spacing them 1 1/2 inches apart.
• Bake for 15 minutes or until the bottoms start to brown.

Tip: When you cut them use a pizza cutter. It is the perfect tool for nice, smooth cuts.

I just love how cute and little they are. They are perfect for a tea party or just because. The only problem when they are bite sized is that you will want to eat them all. I would highly recommend not sitting next to the plate of them while you surf Instagram.

Be sure to follow me for more fun ideas and check out my other fun posts.
Pinterest  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Google+  |  Instagram

Be sure to try some of my other delicious treats:

Snickerdoodle Popcorn

Toffee Fruit Dip

The post Sprinkle Shortbread Bites appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I love anything lemon.  My sweet mother who is in her late seventies loves anything lemon too.  I know that’s where I acquired my taste for lemon and it’s funny how we like the things that our mother likes.

The other day my daughter called me laughing because she had seen a See’s Candy store in the mall that she was at and was so excited to go in and get her favorite chocolate candy.

To her dismay when she got home, she realized that she had gotten MY favorite chocolate candy!  I love the Milk Chocolate Bordeaux and she loves those too, but likes the Brown Sugar chocolates just a little bit more.  So even though she might have been a little disappointed that she didn’t get a Brown Sugar, she still got a Bordeaux and was happy and called me to tell me that she was thinking about me.  Yes, the things our mothers like runs strong in us, doesn’t it?

I haven’t made these for my mother yet but I know that she would love them.  They are perfect little bite-sized bits of lemon heaven.  They really do feel like they are melting in your mouth and would be perfect for a brunch or a wedding shower.  So let’s get baking!

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Lemon Meltaways

Course Dessert

Servings 4 dozen

Author This Grandma Is Fun

Ingredients

Cookies

• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch yes you read that right
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup softened butter
• 2 tsp grated lemon peel
• 1 TBL lemon juice

Frosting

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 3 tsp grated lemon peel save 1 tsp for garnishing cookies
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Cookies

• In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until well mixed. Divide dough in half. Shape each half into an 8x1 inch roll. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for one hour.
• Heat oven to 350 degrees. With a sharp knife, cut each half of dough into 1/4 inch slices. Place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until set. Cookies should not brown. Cool completely.

Frosting

• In small mixing bowl, combine all frosting ingredients. Beat at medium speed, scraping the bowl often, until fluffy. (1-2 minutes)
• Frost cooled cookies.
• If desired, garnish with extra grated lemon peel and sifted powdered sugar on top.

I’m thinking that I might make these again for my mom for Mother’s Day.  So now that you know what my mom likes, what does YOUR mom like?  I’d love to hear!

Happy Lemony Spring!

The post Lemon Meltaways appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I’ve never met a cookie I didn’t like. Over the holidays, I saw a lot of crackle (or “crinkle”) cookies on Pinterest, from red velvet to chocolate mint. So I thought I’d kick it up a notch and whip up a batch of dark chocolate crackle cookies, because, well, they say dark chocolate is healthy for your heart, right?

But I really don’t need an excuse to make cookies, or eat chocolate or, dunk these warm, chewy, fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies into a glass a milk like they’re Oreos or something. Nope. No excuse needed.

These dark chocolate crackle cookies were inspired by Shugary Sweets, who calls hers “Dark Chocolate Mint Crinkle Cookies” and pinned to my frugal food bloggers board. I prefer to call mine “crackle” cookies for two reasons. 1) They looked cracked at the top after they’ve baked and 2) They are like chocolate crack. Seriously. They are so good, it’s hard to resist temptation with these cookies!

Anything rolled in powdered sugar is practically guaranteed to be delicious, right?

Sheer cookie bliss right there.

Print

Dark Chocolate Crackle Cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups confectioner's powdered sugar

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugar, beating until fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time.
• Gradually add the cocoa powder and flour, blending thoroughly.
• Cover and chill for at least one hour.
• Shape into balls about the size of a tablespoon.
• Roll each ball in the powdered sugar and place on parchment paper.
• Bake for 12 minutes
• Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes before removing and place on a rack to finish cooling.
• Sprinkle with more powdered sugar if you wish!

But, before you go, be sure to check some of my other recipes over at Thrifty DIY Diva! I believe that eating well doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and you most certainly don’t have to go out to eat to satisfy your cravings. I love making copycat versions of my favorite restaurants at home, and creating new ones too! And don’t forget to follow me over at Pinterest and Facebook! Here are just a few of my favorite recipes on the site now:

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Mini Grasshopper Pies

Low Carb Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie

The post Dark Chocolate Crackle Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

We love gingersnaps at our house and love snacking on ’em. They’re great with a glass of milk or chai tea. Make a great crust for cheesecake or pumpkin bars. I especially love gingersnaps dipped in lemon curd or with a glass of fresh squeezed lemonade. It’s that tart/sweet combination that’s so delicious. So back around Christmas time, I was developing a new recipe for Lime Sugared Cranberries. I love how they turned out, simultaneously tart and sweet, a mouthwatering and festive addition to a cheese board, drink or appetizer tray. So addictive. And I’ve had that lime sugar on the brain ever since.

So naturally it occurred to me that incorporating lime sugar into my gingersnap recipe might be a great idea. And I was right. If you love a good gingersnap, you’ll love these Lime Sugared Gingersnaps. Spicy and sweet, they’re an extra special treat for after school snacks on a wintry day.

Lime zest mixes in with the sugar, creating a unique cookie that pairs perfectly with a cup of afternoon tea.

The lime sugar mixes into the cookie dough and the dough balls are also rolled in it just before baking. The ginger and lime zest give a little zing, while the sugar keeps them sweet.

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Lime Sugared Gingersnaps

A tart, refreshing twist on the classic gingersnap. Lime sugar rolled. Crackly on the outside, chewy on the inside.

Course Cookies

Servings 2 1/2 dozen, 2" cookies

Author Allie

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 4 tablespoons lime zest zest from about 4 limes
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 1/8 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon ginger
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

• In small bowl, mix lime zest together with sugar. Set aside.
• Separately, using hand mixer, beat butter in mixing bowl 'til creamy.
• Add 1 cup of lime sugar and beat together with the butter.
• (Remaining 1/2 cup lime sugar will be used to roll dough balls in before baking.)
• Add in egg and molasses and stir 'til smooth.
• Separately, sift together (or mix well with a fork): flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
• Stir flour mixture into wet ingredients.
• Form into 1 1/2 inch round dough balls.
• Roll dough balls in remaining lime sugar.
• Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet or parchment paper.
• Bake 8 minutes @ 350 degrees or 'til tops are round and cracked. They may still be slightly puffy.
• Remove from oven and whack the pan hard on the counter or stovetop.
• (Yup.) The middle will fall and they'll be flat and crackly. Just like a good gingersnap ought to be.

Please take a moment to visit Through Her Looking Glass and follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter!

You may also like the following posts:

Raspberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

 Hot Feta Artichoke & Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

Salted Caramel Pecan Turtles

The post Lime Sugared Gingersnaps appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Hey ya’ll! We’re Molly and Chelsea – the best friend, blogging duo behind Bests and Bites. We love health and fitness, mostly because we love dessert. And we live for pool days and trying new restaurants! Here’s more about our story.

So, January is over. And we’ve got smoothie-making, salad-eating, and veggie-roasting out of our system. We’re huge fans of eating healthy, but sometimes ya just need a good dose of chocolate (or 10).

Enter February. Where all we want is chocolate-covered everything and hot chocolate served to us in bed with a good book.

With a side of chocolate chip cookie bars.

And by side we mean the entire pan. With homemade chocolate frosting.

Let’s start by talking about this frosting. It’s just delightful. Perfectly whipped with just the right amount of chocolate. This lovely chocolate frosting didn’t happen by accident! There is an art to frosting making. You can check out this post to learn three easy steps to make the perfect buttercream. Every time.

Or just scroll down to grab the instructions here!

Either way, you will not be disappointed. Especially if you put it on top of these chocolate chip cookie bars.

The recipe starts with brown butter. If you’ve never browned butter before, it’s super easy. The only thing you need to watch for is browning it too long to avoid burning.

And although this recipe will work with just softened butter, the browned butter gives the cookie bars a toffee-like taste and richness you can only achieve by letting that butter get nice and melty and golden on the stove.

Because this recipe started with melted butter it’s important you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.  Chilling allows the dough to set, and you wont end up with completely messy cookie bars.

Most melted-butter recipes require you to chill dough for hours, but 30 minutes is all it takes to make these bars and have a little bit of ooey gooey on the inside. We were inspired by these chocolate chip gooey bars and twisted it to add our chocolate frosting!

So grab a good book, a mug of hot chocolate, a pan, and a fork. Hey, no judgment here!

If you love this recipe, give us a virtual high five by following us on Insta, Twitter, Pinterest and liking us on Facebook!

Print

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Servings 24

Author Bests and Bites

Ingredients

• For the Cookie Bars:
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 mini choc chips
• For the Frosting:
• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
• ⅔ cup cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons heavy cream divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Line a 9x13 pan with foil and spray with cooking spray and set aside.
• For the cookies, melt butter over medium heat, cook, stirring often, about 6 minutes until it turns brown. Once it starts turning brown keep stirring so it doesn’t burn. Remove from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
• Pour butter, still warm, in and electric mixer with a paddle attachment. Add sugars and mix on low until combined. Let sit and cool for a few minutes before adding eggs to avoid them cooking.
• While cooling, combine flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
• Turn mixer on low again and add eggs, one at a time, mixing completely. Mix in vanilla. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until combined, about 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips with a rubber spatula.
• Press cookie dough evenly into pan, covering the entire surface. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 30-35 mins.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
• While cooling, make the frosting. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
• Turn speed to low and slowly add 3 cups of powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Beat until well combined, about 2 minutes.
• Increase mixer to medium speed and add vanilla and cream. Turn mixer to high speed and beat for 1 minute. Depending on thickness, you may need to add up to ½ cup additional powdered sugar.
• Frost cooled cookie dough bars with and cut into squares.

Monster Cookie Cups

Dark Chocolate Nutella Brownies

The post Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

They’re the perfect color for St. Patrick’s Day cookies!

Sometimes I feel sorry for St. Patrick. I mean he started out as a Saint and ended up being celebrated with green food and drink with random leprechauns to add to the chaos. Apparently I do not have enough Irish in my Heinz 57 DNA to have a real appreciation for the holiday. Still, I do like any excuse to make something fun for the family, and so I took my old recipe for lemon snaps and tweaked it to make these lime snaps cookies.

When I was little we used to visit relatives in Michigan (Lapeer and Howell, y’all). My mom was from a large family and most of them had continued the farm life when they grew up. I loved everything about those visits but one of the things I loved most of all was walking (by myself!) to Gramma Great’s house. Gramma Great was not my grandmother, she was the mom of my aunt and great-grandmother to some of my cousins (I was next to the youngest cousin – there are something like 30 years between my oldest cousin and me). She was ancient but she lived by herself in the house my aunt grew up in just a short walk along the edge of the cornfield from my aunt’s house. I loved to sit and listen to her stories of when Michigan was kind of the “frontier” (she was born in something like 1880?). I also loved the lemon snaps cookies and milk that she always seemed to put out for me — fresh, raw milk that had still been in the cow a few hours before. When I got older, I got the recipe from my aunt and that is the recipe that I have tweaked here. I mean, they didn’t used to be St. Patrick’s Day cookies… but work with me here, ok?

The color is something like green Play-do but the my kids loved them despite (maybe because of?) the odd color. The cookies are crispy on the outside with an impossibly thin crispy sugar layer and then chewy on the inside. There’s enough lime to wake your mouth right up but enough sweetness to keep it from making you wince.

The trick to the perfect texture of these pretty St. Patrick’s Day cookies is to take them out of the oven just before you think they are done — when they are still a little soft on the top. They’ll continue cooking as they cool and you’ll get that perfect, chewy cookie. If you like them crisper then you can press the cookie dough balls down with the bottom of a cup dipped in the sugar and cook them just a touch longer.

Print

Tangy Lime Snaps Cookies for St. Patrick's Day

Bright green cookies with plenty of tangy lime flavor, these lime snaps are chewy with crispy edges and just right with a glass of cold milk. They travel well and freeze well, too.

Course Cookies

Servings 4 dozen

Calories 69kcal

Author Marye

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 1½ teaspoon lime extract or lemon extract if you can't find lime
• Zest from 1 lime
• Green gel food coloring
• 3½ cups flour
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Lemonade mix or green sugar for rolling

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375F.
• Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs.
• Add the lime juice, zest, and extract.
• Blend in enough food coloring to give you the color you want.
• Mix the dry ingredients and stir in until well blended.
• Roll dough between your hands to form walnut sized balls.
• Roll in lemonade mix or green sugar and place on cookie sheet that is covered with silpat.
• Bake for 10 minutes.
• Remove from oven - gently press down tops while cookies are warm if you need to.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 11.5g | Protein: 1.2g | Fat: 2.2g | Saturated Fat: 1.3g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 45mg | Sugar: 4.2g

Hey, don’t be a stranger! I’d love it if you’d follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram! I share lots of vintage inspired recipes from my collection of antique and vintage cookbooks.
If you liked this Lime Snaps Cookies recipe you might also like these Restless Chipotle Favorites…

White Chocolate Key Lime Bundt Cake

Lime White Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

Crispy Chewy Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies

The post Tangy Lime Snaps St. Patrick’s Day Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Hi friends and Happy Valentine’s Day from My Daylights! I’m Jennifer and I’m so happy to be meeting you as a new contributor here on Made From Pinterest. It’s so fun to be a part of such a fun and creative community; I can’t wait to get to know you all better!

It’s amazing how quickly holidays creep up on us. We’re celebrating Valentine’s today and in just a month we’ll have another of my favorite holidays-St. Patrick’s Day!

We have strong Irish roots in my family. My great-grandparents immigrated here from Ireland and we are proud of our heritage. While it’s not a major holiday, especially where we live, I still enjoy making fun treats to celebrate this lucky day.

These Shamrock cookies are a family favorite and one that I’ve never shared before, until today. It’s literally your lucky day (see what I did there?) that you’re in on an Irish family secret. Althought, this isn’t an Irish recipe. Just a recipe from an Irish family.

All right, let’s get to it! These cookies are really easy and only use a few ingredients. You will need a cookie press to whip up these puppies, but they can be found anywhere that sells kitchen gadgets. To make the shamrock shape, I used the “coin” press that has three sides. After making the recipe for the cookies, found below, you stuff the dough into the press just like this.

Use this recipe for the cookies:

Print

St Patrick's Day Shamrock Cookies

Course Cookies

Author Jennifer Day from My Daylights

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp Vanilla or Almond Extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 1/4 cup flour

Instructions

• Cream together butter and sugar
• Add in Vanilla or Almond Extract (I used Vanilla for this)
• Mix in egg yolk
• Add in flour one bit at a time until dough forms
• Push dough into cookie press with "coin" press form
• Press cookies onto ungreased cookie sheet
• Bake at 375 degrees for 7-10 minutes until golden brown around edges

Once the cookies have cooled, melt the green candy chocolate in 30 second increments in the microwave. Carefully dip the cookies in the melted chocolate and put them on a sheet of parchment paper to cool.

To make it easier to dip treats into the chocolate, I found this really cool scoop that is specifically made for chocolate dipping. It’s perfect because it has a nice long handle and you can easily shake off excess chocolate. It’s my new best friend for chocolate dipping! It’s from Wilton and you can find it at any store that sells chocolate making supplies (most craft stores will carry it).

Sprinkle with fun sprinkles before the chocolate hardens. Wrap them up and pass them out to family and friends or eat them up yourself. They are bit sized little gems of luck, perfect for celebrating this fun holiday!

Spritz Cookies are already light and buttery and the addition of the candy coating makes them even more addicting. I’m serious, try eating just one and see how you do. Your mouth will be watering for more! If you’re like me, you’ll make a batch and save some to the side just for as a special treat you don’t have to share!

What treats do you make for St. Patrick’s Day?

If you loved this, check out some other fun recipes from My Daylights:

Rainbow Sugar Cookies

Cadbury Egg Easter Bark

DIY Child’s Hand Keychains & Printable

The post Spritz Shamrock Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

Hello dear friends from Munchkintime!

Did you know that Valentines Day is just few days away!?!

As a mama of 2 girls, I like to do holiday activities with my girls, and for this year for Valentines Day we decided to bake some heart shape cookies.

I Heart You Almond Cookies made of simple ingredients like sour cream, flour, sugar, almonds and etc.

100% no butter!

You wouldn’t feel bad eating them!

Now scroll down to see how to make these yummies!

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If you make I Heart You Almond Cookies please tag my name @munchkintimeblog and hashtag #munchkintimeblog on Instagram, I would LOVE to see your creation!

Did you liked this I Heart You Almond Cookies Recipe?

Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!

3 Popular Posts from Munchkintime:

Qtip Felt Arrows

8 Ingredient Nachos Madness Recipe

DIY Melted Heart Backdrop – Video Tutorial

The post I Heart You Almond Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I remember when I used to visit my paternal grandmother that she would ask me to read to her.  We would take a book that I was interested in and I would read out loud to her.  We would sit on her bed and she would lean back and close her eyes and just listen and listen.  She would compliment me and tell me what a talent that I had in reading and I remember feeling SO special.

I have many, many other memories of doing things with my Granny Ola that I love but none of them were major events which taught me that it really doesn’t take much to be a wonderful grandma.  My grandkids love doing ANYTHING with Grammy even though it might be the smallest or the easiest thing to do.

These Valentine Sugar Wafer Cookies are super quick and easy to make but it turns these ordinary cookies into a special Valentine’s treat.  Your grandchildren will think that you went to a ton of work to make these special just for them.  And they will be right except for the ton of work part!

More than remembering making these cookies with you, they will remember the special feeling as you spend precious time with them.  I promise that they will remember how you make them feel long after the cookies are gone.

But the cookies are still great fun so let’s get to the instructions!

Print

Valentine Sugar Wafer Cookies

Author This Grandma is Fun

Ingredients

• Candy Melts in your desired colors. I used white pink and red.
• Pink Sugar Wafer Cookies
• Sprinkles of your choice

Instructions

• In a microwave bowl, melt the Candy Melts per the instructions on the bag. Make sure your bowl is not shallow so that it is deep enough to dunk the cookies.
• Dunk one end of the sugar wafer cookie into the melted chocolate and then immediately sprinkle with your sprinkles. I sprinkled mine on the top and both the sides but not the bottom so they would lay flat.
• Place the dipped and sprinkled cookies onto some parchment paper or some aluminum foil.
• Cool completely before devouring!

Notes

Recipe inspiration from Sparkles to Sprinkles

 Have fun being a Grandma today!

The post Valentine Sugar Wafer Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

These are some amazing recipes we know you will enjoy. There are many different recipes with all kinds of different flavors, so there is a cookie for everyone! And they’re sure to be a hit at any holiday party!

Leave a comment below and tell us which is your favorite!

Melting Snowman Cookies (Ours!) These are easy to make and turn out adorable!

Oatmeal Cranberry Sandwich Cookies  from Two Peas and Their Pod. They contain white chocolate creme filling. Yum!

Perfect Sugar Cookies from Craftiness Is Not Optional. These are made with ROYAL icing! That explains why they look so fancy

Easy Peppermint Buttercream Cake Mix Cookies from Tidy Mom. Cake mix cookies are the best!  They’re so easy to make and are delicious!

Orange Cardamom Meltaways from Nalle’s House. These sound incredible!

Red Velvet Snowflakes from Created By Diane. The red velvet makes a perfect background for the white snowflakes.

Soft Almond Cookies (Ours!) These pair perfectly with a nice cup of hot chocolate!

Cranberry Bliss Cookies from Gimme Some Oven. Not only do these have cranberries, but they are also loaded with white chocolate. Yum!!

Nutella Stuffed Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies from A Cup of Jo. Nutella, sea salt, and chocolate chips sound like an incredible trio!

White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread from Hostess With the Mostess. These bite-sized cookies are so cute! Plus it gives us an excuse to eat more of them!

*****

Christmas Cookie Workshop Recipes 11-20

Christmas Cookie Workshop Recipes 21-30

The post Christmas Cookie Workshop: 30 Cookie Recipes appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I love having iced Christmas cookies for the holidays, and I’ve been making this simply rolled sugar cookie recipe since I was a little kid. Christmas Stocking Cookies bring Christmas cheer to cookie exchanges, parties, and special celebrations during the Christmas season. Also, the perfect cookie to thank the jolly man in the red suit on Christmas Eve. (Don’t forget the milk!)

You’ll need the following on hand:

• Christmas stocking cookie cutter, whatever size you like
• decorating bag and Wilton #16 star tip
• rolling pin
• red gel or powdered red food coloring (not water-based)

My tradition has always been to make the dough and bake the cookies on Thanksgiving weekend. (I usually make 5 recipes for the season and freeze most of them unfrosted.)

Chill dough in tightly wrapped plastic wrap for a minimum of one hour.

Christmas Stocking Cookies make such a beautiful presentation. There’s something different about these roll-out cookies. They’re thin. And light. Crunchy and buttery. The frosting is pure buttercream. Maybe I’m biased (!), but I’ve never tasted a better frosted Christmas cookie.

Roll the chilled dough thin on a generously floured board or mat. The dough should not be translucent, but nearly – about 1/16″ thick. (Look closely at the picture above. If the dough is too thick it will result in thick cookies that don’t hold their shape.)

I cut just one shape to keep the baking and decorating simple. Carefully transfer stockings with a thin cookie spatula to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill each pan of cut-outs a minimum of ten minutes before baking. (Very important: this keeps the cookies from spreading too much and losing shape.)

Bake cookies 5-6 minutes at 350° or until edges are just browning. Watch closely. Cool cookies, then freeze or frost. (I freeze the baked cookies, undecorated. Then all season long I decorate for parties as needed.)

Baking tips:

• Dough should be well chilled before rolling on a generously floured surface
• Roll dough thin, almost translucent, about 1/16″ thick
• Carefully transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet with a thin, flexible spatula
• Chill cookies on the pan a minimum of ten minutes before baking

Frosting/Decorating Tips:

• Butter should be at room temperature
• Leave frosting stiffer than you want because the food coloring will thin some
• I used a #16 Wilton star tip for the white stocking cuff
• Color 2/3 of frosting red; leave 1/3 white

Print

Christmas Stocking Cookies

Addictive buttery Christmas roll-out cookies with buttercream icing.

Course Cookies

Servings 2 dozen 5" cookies

Author Allie

Ingredients

Cookie Dough:

• 1/2 cup butter room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Butter Cream Icing:

• 1/4 cup butter room temperature
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2-3 tablespoons cream or half and half
• gel or powder red food coloring
• Optional: coarse sparkling white sugar

Instructions

Cookie Dough:

• Cream butter.
• Add sugar to creamed butter.
• Beat in egg and vanilla.
• Sift flour with baking powder and salt. (Or mix well with a fork like I do!)
• Stir dry ingredients into creamed ones.
• Chill dough, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for 1 hour.
• Roll out thin (about 1/16" thick) on a generously floured surface
• Transfer cut out cookies to parchment lined baking sheet.
• Refrigerate baking sheet of cookies 10 minutes before baking.
• Bake for 6-8 minutes at 350 degrees, until just browning on the edges.
• Watch closely at the six-minute mark.
• Cool and frost or freeze.

Butter Cream Icing:

• Cream butter.
• Add in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.
• Mix in vanilla and cream, 'til it's the consistency you want.
• Separate frosting into two bowls: leave 1/3 white, and color 2/3 red.
• Stir in red food coloring a little at a time 'til you get the color you like.
• Mix well.
• Frost stockings red with the butter knife or spatula.
• Use a decorating bag and Wilton frosting star tip #16 to make stars on the cuff.
• Sprinkle with coarse white sparkling sugar.

Please follow Through Her Looking Glass on Pinterest , Facebook and Twitter handle @thruherglass. Thank you!

If you enjoyed this cookie recipe, here are some links to other favorites on my blog:

Sugared Pecan Pumpkin Ice Cream

Famous Brick Street Chocolate Cake

Honey Roasted Dill Carrots

The post Christmas Stocking Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

If your favorite candy bar is a Twix then you are going to love these shortbread TWIX Cookies! 

About me, I pretty much love any candy bar that has caramel in it. I would have to say that my all-time favorite is a Milky Way but a Twix candy bar runs a close second. There is a cookie shop near me that sells them occasionally and my son checks their site religiously to see when they will be available again. Since everyone in my family likes them, I decided I should start making them at home.

 So if you and your grandkids like caramel too, you are going to love these cookies.

If you would probably want a crowd-treating experience, try them too because you will be amazed!

This post may contain affiliate links. What does this mean? If you purchase something we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog! For more information, click to see our disclosure policy.

Mouth-Watering Twix Cookies

The cookies start off with a buttery, flaky shortbread base. Then, topped with caramel, and finished with chocolate. I need to warn you that they are very rich cookies. In addition, the caramel base gives them the perfect chewy center. So make sure you have some nice, cold milk on hand!

Each layer is easy to make. The only time-consuming part is spreading the chocolate and caramel on each cookie. But it is absolutely worth it when you end up with a batch of delicious Twix cookies. Perfection!

Delicious Cookie Experience For The Whole Family

Do you make a recipe and end become impatient before it is finished because you can’t wait to eat it? That is how these Twix cookies were for me. The kids and husband ended up loving them just like me! A chocolaty cookie that you will love over and over again.

I have been a Twix cookie fan for many, many years. In fact, if I had to pick my favorite cookie, it would be a Twix cookie. I like Twix cookies so much that sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and sneak to the kitchen just to grab a few!

Although these cookies look super decadent, they are easier to make than you think.  You can easily use the Kraft wrapped caramels but my favorite caramel of all time is Peter’s Caramel. I get mine at a local cooking store called Gygi’s. It is a large block of caramel but then you will have plenty left over to make these super yummy Apple Pie Caramel Apples!

So treat your caramel-loving self and your family to some of these TWIX Cookies. You will love them!

What You Need For A Crazy Tasty Twix Cookie Recipe

Twix cookies are the perfect combination of caramel, milk chocolate, and a buttery, crunchy cookie center. And now, you can actually make a cookie that tastes exactly like the bar. That’s right. Next time your grandkids get a craving for Twix, you won’t have to rush out to the gas station in the middle of the night. Just reach for those homemade cookies. They’ll satisfy their craving for that caramel, chocolate cookie crunch.

They are the perfect treat to satisfy your caramel dessert cravings. These homemade Twix bars are easy to make, the ingredient mix gives cookies with perfect balance, they’re not too sweet and the caramel base gives them the perfect chewy center. The chocolate layer is a nice addition to them and is what gives them the richness and boldness you love in chocolate. 

This is such an easy snack to prepare for your grandkids.  Don’t you think?  

Print

Twix Cookies

Course Dessert

Author Made From Pinterest

Ingredients

• 1½ cups softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 15 oz caramel **See notes
• 2 cups milk choc chips
• 2 tsp shortening

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Cream butter and sugar together. Add your vanilla, flour and salt. Mix well.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to ½ inch thick.
• To cut cookies you can use a biscuit cutter or I just used a small glass that was 2 inches wide.
• Place round cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 350 for 14-16 minutes.
• Let cookies cool.
• Melt caramel and spread the caramel over the cooled cookies.
• Let caramel cool completely.
• Add your shortening into the chocolate chips and melt in the microwave. Use a microwave safe bowl and watch so that the chocolate does not burn.
• Spread melted chocolate over cooled caramel.
• Let chocolate set before serving.
• Do not put in the refrigerator as it will discolor the chocolate.

Notes

I use Peter's caramel which comes in a 5 lb block. You can just cut off what you need, melt it and it's ready to go. If you use the Kraft caramels, follow the instructions on the bag for melting.

Shortbread recipe adapted by Food Network and Chef In Training

You will need these items for this recipe!

Items You Will Need For A Yummy Twix Cookie Recipe

Cookie:

• 1 1⁄2cups softened butter
•  1 cup sugar 
•  3 1⁄2 cups flour 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla  
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt 
• 2 teaspoon shortening

Caramel Layer:

• 15 Oz caramel

Chocolate Layer:

• 2 cups milk choc chips

How To Prepare Tasty Twix Cookies

This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, has a short preparation time, and makes delicious golden brown cookies that you can serve on any occasion. You can mix the dough by hand or with a stand mixer, but be sure to put the splash guard on to avoid getting messy.

Follow these simple but doable steps for a mouth-watering Twix cookie dessert!

1. Turn on your oven and preheat it to 350 degrees.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick silicone baking sheets. I really prefer using the silicone ones because cookies pop off easily, and you can wash and reuse them over and over again.
3. Cream butter and sugar together. Then, add your vanilla, flour, and salt and mix well.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1⁄2 inch thick. The dough will be a bit sticky, so put it between two sheets of parchment paper to keep it smooth without getting it all over the counter.
5. Use a biscuit cutter or a small glass (2 inches wide) to cut cookies. Roll the dough as needed. Be sure to get a set of good circular cutters.
6. Place the round cookies on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
7. Bake at 350 for 14-16 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Do not overbake these cookies or they will end up dry. It is important to note that larger cookies will take more time, and smaller ones will take less.

8. Let cookies cool.

9. Melt caramel for 10-15 seconds, then stir. Repeat until you get the right consistency. Then, spread the caramel over the cooled cookies. When you scoop and pour the caramel, it should create a ribbon.
10. Let caramel cool completely.
11. Add your shortening into the chocolate chips and melt them in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and watch it, so that the chocolate doesn’t burn. If you desire a shiny chocolate result, use chopped chocolate. 
12. Spread melted chocolate ( make sure it has no lumps) over the cooled caramel. I like using a clean butter knife to do it. Make sure it is not too close to the edge of the cookie. 
13. Let the chocolate set before serving.
14. Do not put it in the refrigerator, as cold will discolor the chocolate. Store the Twix cookies in an airtight container. Make sure the container has no moist in it, or else the chocolate will seize, and you will have to start over. I’d also recommend you keeping the cookies in a single layer to prevent them from sticking to each other.

Why Twix Cookies, You Ask?

These cookies are amazing and should be savored for an afternoon snack or evening treat. You can serve them with a cup of tea or a glass of milk. I am sure they will taste like a Twix Bar but in cookie form. Pure caramel chocolate heaven.

You might be wondering what’s so fantastic about these Twix Cookies. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love them. 

• The Twix flavor is front and center.
• They are perfect hostess gifts and plenty to go around.
• A great project to make with your grandkids. Spreading the chocolate and caramel is a great job for the little ones.
• Rich in chocolate and full of caramel. The contrasting textures and tastes of the gooey caramel and soft chocolate are the perfect combination and the only way to describe them is, “Scrumptious”
• Foolproof, easy-to-follow recipe.
• Perfect for the holiday season, birthdays, or just a fun weekend treat as well.
• The flavors are amazing.
• They are worth it, even if you hate baking cookies. 

Some Expert Tips For You

1. Dark and White chocolate can also be used in place of the Milk chocolate chips and are just as delicious. A marbled mixture of both white and dark chocolate will definitely give the cookies a special and extra appearance altogether.
2. If you choose to use plain flour, the shortbread bases will not rise and so they will be as thin or thick as you roll the dough out to be.

The cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for about four to five days and you can certainly freeze them. Just cool the cookies completely and tightly wrap them in plastic wrap. Then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two to three months. Defrost before serving and use your favorite chocolate topping. 

I close my case and the jury is unanimous – these are incredible! And yes, the hardest part is not sneaking bites of the cookie dough before it is completely set.

Oh! Do you know you can also have homemade caramel?

There are few ways to make caramel at home. One is by boiling sweetened condensed milk for three hours or simmering brown sugar, corn syrup, and evaporated milk until it gets thicker and forms a caramel. Also, ensure it holds its shape and does not runoff.

More Flavors Just For You!

You may consider trying out these Twix cookie flavors:

1. Fudge
2. Coffee
3. Mint
4. Orange
5. Dark chocolate
6. White Chocolate

Gluten-free and Vegan Twix cookies

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to these Twix Cookies, here’s a recipe to help with that. 

Ingredients:

1. 1⁄2 tablespoon dairy-free milk
2. 1⁄8 cup Maple syrup
3. 1⁄2 cup vegan butter
4. 1⁄2 cup chocolate chips vegan
5. 1 1⁄8 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
6. 1 dash salt
7. 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
8. 1⁄2 teaspoon refined coconut oil
9. 1⁄4 cup powdered sugar.

There’s no need to feel guilty about putting all these are ingredients in your body. I love that you can serve them to just about anyone. Just make sure to save some for yourself!

Are You Craving More Goodies?  Check These Out, Thank Me Later!

• Mini Apple Pie Cookies
• Rockin’ Raspberry Bread Pudding
• Two-Two Easy Peach Cobbler
• Snowball Cookies Recipe
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

You can also find us on Pinterest │ Facebook │ Twitter │ Instagram  │ Hometalk

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So here is my Easy Toffee Cookies recipe!

I found a Pecan Slice Cookie recipe in Taste of Home and changed it up a bit. I’m a sucker for toffee, especially with the “buttery melt in your mouth” kind of toffee. So, I thought my holiday cookie baking absolutely needs these toffee cookies!

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Easy Toffee Cookies

Course Dessert

Author Kath

Ingredients

• 6 Tbsp. Butter Softened
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup toffee bits

Instructions

• Using a stand or hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together.
• Mix in the egg and vanilla.
• In a separate small bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Slowly mix in the flour mixture into the egg and sugar.
• Stir in 1/2 cup of the toffee bits.
• Shape the dough into two 7 inch logs and wrap them in plastic wrap.
• Chill for 2 hours or until firm.
• Preheat oven to 350.
• Unwrap the dough logs and cut into 1/4 inch slices.
• Place cookies on a cookie sheet lightly sprayed with cooking spray and sprinkle with the remaining toffee bits.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes.
• Let cool and enjoy.

These cookies remind me of making cookies with my mom as a kid. We made a lot of slice and bake cookies. They are so good- chewy and buttery and full of toffee goodness. With the seasons coming near, I hope you enjoy your delicious treats, and remember that a simply delicious cookie recipe can go a long way and bring smiles to those faces at your holiday parties!

If you liked this recipe, you’ll also enjoy these posts from my blog at PenneyLane:

20+ Hot Chocolate Recipes

Easy Pumpkin Quick Bread

The post Easy Toffee Cookies appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

I’m ready to wear warm fall clothing and start enjoying the all of the wonderful flavors of fall recipes.

Apple cider is a popular favorite around our house on chilly days. I knew apple cider cookies fresh out of the oven would be just as popular.

The original recipe doesn’t call for walnuts with caramel drizzled over them. The cookies taste amazing without it, but I couldn’t pass up going for a cookie that tastes like a caramel apple!

Adding the walnuts and caramel makes these cookies the perfect fall treat! My family LOVED them, the whole batch disappeared in a day.

Enjoy!

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Apple Caramel Cookies

Course Cookie, Dessert

Author Adapted by Made From Pinterest

Ingredients

• 1 cup softened butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 7.4 oz. box Alpine Spiced Apple Cider Instant Original Drink Mix
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 14 oz. bag Kraft Caramels

Instructions

• Use a medium bowl to whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside for later.
• Use an electric mixer on medium speed to mix butter, sugar, brown sugar, and all ten packs of apple cider, continue mixing until fluffy. About two three minutes.
• In a separate bowl beat eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla to the butter mixture.
• On a low speed add flour mixture in three portions, mixing each just until incorporated.
• Refrigerating the cookie dough for 1 hour will make forming the dough into balls easier, it is not required but recommended.
• Take an unwrapped caramel and place it into 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough that has been rolled into a ball. Seal the cookie dough all around the caramel square, flatten slightly and place on parchment lined cookie sheet.
• Bake in over at 350 degrees F for 12-14 minutes, be careful not to over bake. Remove from oven as soon as you notice the cookies start to brown along the edges. The bottom of these cookies burn easily.
• Slide the parchment paper and cookies off the cookie sheet directly onto your counter. Allow cookies to partially cool on parchment paper. Twist cookies off the parchment paper and allow them to finish cooling upside down,

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Everyone in my family knows that if they are not sure what to get me for a present, I am sure to like any kitchen gadget. I can spend hours in a kitchen store. Every gadget I see, I am sure I need it. One of my recent favorites is a Pizzelle maker my family got me for Christmas! LOVE IT! I justified the purchase by making Mascarpone and Fruit Filled Pizzelle Cups. And it got me thinking. About waffle cones. And Minerva McGonagall.

So I just had to get myself a Waffle Cone Maker. My family began to think I was going crazy with batch after batch of botched hats and trashed cones. I wanted to mimic the way her hat droops at the top, the floppy brim and I wanted to get everything to be the right proportions.

The next hurdle was getting M and M’s in the Gryffindor house colors. So I was off to Candy World at the mall. I placed my bag, pulled the lever and heard the pleasing sound of M and M’s spilling into my bag. Then I weighed it. Okay, FYI, those candies come out of the dispenser really fast! I was up to $17 and all I had were maroon M and M’s! I did much better on the gold M and M’s, but not good enough. Friends, learn from my $30 M and M mistake and get 7 to 8 ounces of each color. Nobody needs that many Gryffindor colored candies.

It took me a while to work out my design for Professor McGonagal’s hat, but once I did, it was really pretty quick and easy. So I have worked out all the bugs, cleared out all the cobwebs and shazaam accio! Now you can see how easy  it is to make your own in this short video. Mrs. Weasley couldn’t have done better with magic! Make sure to scroll down for the printable recipe after viewing. Hope this helps you have a magical Halloween!

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Candy Filled McGonagall Hats

Servings 10

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 stick half cup melted butter, cooled
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoon black gel food coloring
• Colored Candies to fill the hat
• Black decorating icing

Instructions

• Whisk eggs. Add sugar and continue whisking until light yellow and well combined. Add melted butter and flour. Whisk until it is free of lumps, add vanilla and food coloring. Mix well.
• Next, follow manufacturers directions to make cones, BUT undercook them. 40 seconds was perfect on my cone maker. This way they stay soft enough to punch the tops and bend it over. Otherwise they will be to crisp to do that. The cones will be very hot. I used a spatula or a kitchen knife to remove them from the cone maker. Lay a towel on the counter as a work surface.

For the cones:

• Three small cookies scoops was the perfect amount for my waffle cone maker to make a full size cone. To make the hats, make full size circles and cut them in half. Then lay one half back onto the heated plate to keep it soft and pliable. On one corner, put a dab of black decorating icing. Take your cone form with the tip along the straight edge and begin rolling at the icing free edge of the cone along the form, keeping edges even, towards the dab of icing. You may want to use a towel or cloth as the cone will be hot. The dab of icing helps the cone hold tightly. Slide the form out of the cone slightly, pinch the top of the cone and hold in place with a kitchen towel. Remove the form. Cool for 50 seconds to a minute. Repeat with the other half.

For the brims:

• Lay five large spoons in a circle, with the handles out. Make a cone with two scoops of dough for a smaller circle. Lay the circle on the five spoon. Lay the handle of a knife in between each spoon to create an undulating edge. Cool 50 seconds to one minute.

To assemble the hats:

• Turn the cone upside down and fill with candy. Pipe decorating icing along the rim of the hat. Place the brim of the hat over the cone and press into place. Turn the hat over and let icing harden for about 20 - 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Each full size cone (3 scoops of dough) makes two hats. You will need 5 full size cones for 10 hats.
Each small cone (2 scoops of dough) makes one brim. You will need 10.
Make sure to handle the hats from the base. If picking up the hat from the cone, the brim may fall off.
If ordering specialty colored candy, 7 ounces of each color will be plenty.
These are best fresh, but the cones and brims may be made 1 or 2 days ahead and kept in Ziploc bags or an airtight container.

Don’t forget to have a little Polyjuice Potion on hand to help wash down all that candy!

This post contains an affiliate link which means I receive a small compensation, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase using my link. Clearly I am really happy with my waffle cone maker and had a blast designing these hats. I promise I will only recommend products I truly love!

The post Candy Filled McGonagall Hats appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

After my daughter’s surgery I brought her home from the hospital, gave her some pain medication and settled her in to rest and recover. Pain meds for her, cookie for me. A few minutes later I heard my husband rinsing something out in our laundry room sink. When I asked him what he was doing his answer was…”Oh, just cleaning up.”. He then made a valiant effort to nonchalantly walk into the kitchen. I immediately noticed a very large area of road rash on his elbow and blood running down his leg from a 1/2 inch gash on his shin.  I looked at him and said “you have got to be kidding me” and burst out laughing. He couldn’t resist and started laughing as well. I decided I NEEDED cookie before cleaning and dressing he wounds.

Why would we find this so funny? Because my husband and son had just completed a 3,000 mile (coast to coast) ride on their newly purchased Harley Davidson motorcycles. They managed this without either of them getting hurt. Not a single scratch or bruise. They would tell you it is because of their excellent riding skills; I say it is because I prayed for their safety 24/7 until they made it safely home! We both found it ironically funny that he sustained injuries on his Harley due to a malfunction while pulling out of our driveway and onto our street!

Turns out my sweet hubby got more than the road rash on his elbow and a cut on his shin. A few hours later my daughter (groggy from her pain meds) asked me if I was aware that “Dad” had also hurt his leg and knee. Pain medication is like truth serum for her, so keeping Dad’s secret wasn’t going to happen. A trip to urgent care revealed a possible hairline fracture in his Tibia and possibly a tear in his knee. After hearing this fabulous news, I skipped dinner and ate another cookie. Needless to say I have been busy nursing both of them back to good health. The next 48 hours went something like this, pain medication for patient 1, cookie for me. Pain medication for patient #2, cookie for me.

How many cookies did I eat in a 48 hour period of time?  Hard to say, I stopped counting after the first 24 hours! Seriously, they are divine! I can’t wait to make and share them with friends and family this holiday season.

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Gingersnap Cookie Recipe

Course Dessert

Author Made From Pinterest

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1-1/2 cups canola oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 4 cups flour
• 4 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  
• In a large mixing bowl combine the sugar, canola oil, eggs and molasses
  
• In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt.
  
• Add and throughly mix the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
  
• Shape cookie dough into walnut-sized balls, roll in sugar and place on cookie sheet.
  
• Bake at 350 degrees for 7-9 minutes. These cookies are easy to over bake, be sure to check them at 7 minutes!
• Allow to completely cool and then dip cookies halfway into melted white, bittersweet or milk chocolate.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

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I have been one very emotional mama the past week as my oldest son prepares to leave for two years as he serves a mission for our church in San Diego, California. He has been gone at college for the past year and is only home for a week before he leaves. Every ounce of my motherly instinct wants to call a mommy foul on him for only being here a week, but how can I? I am so proud of him and the choice he has made. I just wish I had more than a week together before I don’t see him again for 2 years. You understand, right?
Our week together has been nothing short of crazy as we try to do everything and purchase everything that he will need while he is gone. The list is extensive and we live in the middle of nowhere in Minnesota, which makes it even harder!

Since he has been gone for a year at school, the first thing he said to me when we got in the car at the airport was “So Mom….what kind of great food are you going to make me this week?” How can I turn a request like that down? When I saw these Swig Sugar Cookie Bars over on Real Life Dinner, I instantly knew this would be a home run with my boy. His favorite cookies are those expensive Lofthouse cookies you get in the bakery section of your grocery store. These bars are a thousand times better! Yes, a thousand
They are soft, dense and moist, which for me means cookie perfection. I am not a fan of cake textured cookies at all. The frosting recipe is my favorite buttercream recipe and it is always a huge hit. I did add a dash of almond extract to the bars because just that little flavoring does an amazing job of adding great depth of flavor that most sugar cookies lack.

These come together really quick so go make a batch and come back to tell me what you think. Just leave me a quick comment below! And, I wouldn’t mind some love and support as well….my tears are already freely flowing and he hasn’t even left yet!

Ingredients

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Swig Sugar Cookie Bars

Ingredients

Bars

• 1/2 C butter room temperature
• 1/4 C + 2 Tb canola oil
• 1/2 C + 2 Tb granulated sugar
• 1/4 C + 2 Tb powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 Tb water
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp almond flavoring
• 2 3/4 C flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• pinch of baking soda

Frosting

• 1/2 C butter room temperature
• 4 C powdered sugar
• 1/4 C half and half
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp almond flavoring
• pinch salt

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9x13 pan.
• Using your mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, oil and both sugars until smooth. Add the egg, water, vanilla and almond flavorings then beat until smooth. Add the flour, salt, baking powder and soda then beat until completely combined.
• Use a rubber spatula and evenly spread the batter in the greased pan. Sprinkle another tablespoon of sugar over the top before putting in the oven for 14-16 minutes. You want the edges of the bars to just barely start to turn brown.....just barely! If you overcook them, they will be dry and crumbly. Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting.
• While the bars cool, beat together all the ingredients for the frosting and once the bars have cooled, frost the bars before slicing.

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