Christmas Cookies for Santa: The Final Cookie

After reviewing the 12 different desserts I prepared to find Santa’s favorite, I realized how much doubting and overthinking influenced my decisions. Worried about texture, fillings, chocolate, and sugar, I jumped from cookie to cookie until I wasn’t even baking cookies anymore!

 

Does that happen to you too? During the holidays, do you run around trying to buy the perfect gift for every grandparent, sibling, niece, nephew, and dog? Do you re-hang the ornaments until each one reflects the sparkling lights? Do you plan a five-course Christmas dinner to meet everyone’s low-fat, low-carb, and allergy needs? Do you spend so much time behind the camera recording every excited child’s face that you forget to smile yourself?  

 

Santa wants a different Christmas for you this year. He wants one without trash bags overflowing with wrapping paper, toys covering every square inch of the floor, and leftovers spilling out of the fridge. He wants you to simplify your holiday and focus on enjoying your family time.

 

So to match Santa’s wishes, I baked him simple sugar cookies.

 

Have a happy holiday!

 

 

Sugar Cookies

from “The Best Light Recipe”

makes 2 dozen

The vanilla flavor in these is addicting! Make a double batch if you think you’ll eat more than what you’ll leave on Santa’s plate.

5 tbsp butter, softened

1 + ⅓ c. granulated sugar, divided

1 tbsp vanilla

1 egg

¾ c. all-purpose flour

½ c. cake flour

¼ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

1. Preheat the oven to 375° and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and 1 c. sugar until light and fluffy, around 2-3 min. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, baking soda, and salt. Add to the butter mixture and mix until just incorporated. If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill in the refrigerator for 20 min.
4. Using 1 tbsp of dough, shape the dough into balls, and roll each in the remaining ⅓ c. sugar. Place coated dough balls on the prepared pans, and bake for 11-13 min, or until edges begin to turn golden and centers are just set. (Do not overbake!) Cool on the pans for 5 min before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.

 

My brother found this plate and gave it to me after reading about (and asking for!) all the cookies I made. Isn't that sweet?

 

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