Cookies for Santa

In an effort to entice Santa, I’ve given him a variety of cookies to eat. The plate is always empty by Christmas morning.

Shortbread. The combination of European butter and vanilla bean makes this shortbread cookie one of the yummiest cookies I make. It’s buttery, crumbly and light. For the lemon lovers in my family, I make a lemon variation, full of subtle lemon flavor, and topped with a bright and tangy lemon glaze.

Soft Sugar Cookies. This cookie has a subtle hint of almond extract and a chewy, soft texture. They are cut a little thicker than the average cutout cookies, which makes every bite an experience of chewy perfection.

Classic Sugar Cookie. This classic sugar cookie brings back memories of the Christmas cookies my mother made during the holidays...with a bold vanilla flavor and slightly soft texture, they make me smile every time I eat one.

Gingerbread. My go-to gingerbread cookie is firm on the edges and soft and chewy in the middle. It has a robust molasses flavor and plenty of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and other spices. I was never a gingerbread lover as a child, but this cookie won me over.

CHRISTMAS SHAPES

Santa (of course), reindeer, candy canes, Christmas trees, ornaments, stars, boys, snowflakes, angels, mooses, winter clothing, snowmen

SIZES

Sizes range from mini (1-2 inches) to large (4 inches). 2½ to 3 inches is my favorite size for decorating and eating! And you can get more smaller cookies on Santa’s plate, which he definitely appreciates.

“Greetings” & Messages

square, circle, rectangle, triangle, free-form...numerous plaque shapes, plus straight, fluted, and zig-zag edges

Cookie Recipe from This Talented Cookie Artist

Soft Sugar Cookies. Original recipe from The Food Charlatan.

My Family Recipes

This Shortbread recipe was developed over several months in my quest to duplicate the taste and texture of a shortbread cookie from a now-closed bakery in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Classic Sugar Cookie. A recipe based on one from Mrs. Gregor, a neighbor of my mom’s when she was a newlywed.

Gingerbread. My Soft Gingerbread Cookie recipe is based on a combination of several recipes from family and friends. My goal was to make a cookie full of spices, with slightly crisp edges and soft everywhere else. This recipe is all that!
 My Gingerbread Recipe

Cookies

Soft Sugar Cookies: flour, butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, almond extract, pure vanilla extract, salt

Classic Sugar Cookies: flour, butter, granulated sugar, egg, pure vanilla extract, baking powder, salt

Shortbread: flour, butter, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, salt

Icing & Decorative Embellishments

Royal Icing: confectioner’s sugar, egg whites, corn syrup, pure vanilla extract or almond extract, cream of tartar, food coloring

Glaze: sugar, water, corn syrup, food coloring (optional), various extracts for flavoring (vanilla, almond, lemon, raspberry, etc.)

Sprinkles: All shapes, sizes, colors...from stars to hearts to mini eyeballs. Also lots of big-crystal sugars in various colors.

White Chocolate: sugar, cocoa butter, nonfat milk, vanilla

Chocolate Dough: corn syrup plus either delicate white, creamy milk, rich semi-sweet, or deep bittersweet chocolate

Homemade Fondant: sugar, corn syrup, cornstarch, gelatin, water, vanilla extract, food coloring (optional)

Fillings

Ganache: rich bittersweet chocolate; either water, cream or coconut milk; vanilla extract

Swiss Buttercream: sugar, butter, salt, various extracts for flavoring; (plus coffee and cocoa powder — if it’s chocolate buttercream)

Raspberry Jam: raspberries, sugar, water

Plate, Box or Bag?

Plate, of course! Cookies for Santa must go on a fancy, holiday plate. I have a few plates that he likes, too. The main thing is to find out his current favorite cookie and load up the plate with that. Sometimes he can’t make up his mind, so he’ll get a variety. We aim to please, Santa!