Christmas Cookies & Candy

Emily and I spent the afternoon making cookies and candy. We had a lot of fun. Although, I think I totally lost control of the sugar sprinkles. Emily took charge with that part! Which is why we have every color of the rainbow for one type of cookies. My goal was red and green, but I think pink, orange and blue also fit right in. 

The first cookie we made came from a cookbook called Christmas Cookies for Kids.

Chocolate Mint Sugar Cookies

2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

3/4 tsp. salt

1 cup sugar

3/4 c. vegetable oil

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 eggs

10 oz. pkg. mint chocolate chips

Red and Green coarse sugar (optional)

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl; set aside.

Combine sugar, oil and vanilla in large bowl. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in mint chocolate chips. Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in coarse sugar. Place on ungreased baking sheets. (I use parchment paper. I love that stuff!)

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 7-9 minutes or until centers are just set. Let stand 2 minutes; remove to wire racks and cool completely. Makes about 5 1/2 dozen.

Banana Drop Cookies

From: Gooseberry Patch Christmas Cookie Jar

2/3 cup shortening

1 3/4 cup sugar, divided

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 eggs, beaten

1 c. ripe banana, mashed

2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup chopped nuts

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Blend shortening, 1 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well; stir in mashed banana. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt and nuts; mix well. Chill for 30 minutes to overnight. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Mix remaining sugar and cinnamon togethe; sprinkle on unbaked cookies. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Makes 3 dozen.

*I used parchment paper and did not grease and it worked great.

This cookie reminded me of Snickerdoodles, only with a banana flavor. Very YUMMY!!!

Hard Tac Candy Treats

From: Gooseberry Patch Farmhouse Christmas

1 cup water

1/2 c. light corn syrup

2 cups sugar

1/2 tsp. flavored oils used for candy making

food coloring

Combine first 3 ingredients in heavy pan. Using a candy thermometer, continue to cook until mixture reaches 310 degrees. Remove from heat and add flavoring and as much food coloring as desired. Pour onto a greased jelly roll pan. When cool enough to handle, cut or break into squares.

*I break my candy with the handle of a table knife. The pieces are not the same size, but I think it looks nice that way. :)

I also dust the pieces in powdered sugar.

The cookies and candy, along with some of our cheese will be put together as gifts for friends and the drivers who deliver our grain, milk house supplies and to the couple who pick up our milk. I'm hoping to add a large loaf of either Pumpkin Bread or Banana Nut Bread with each gift. I'm so glad that Emily enjoys helping and she looks forward to making gifts for others.