December 4th is designated as National Cookie Day. It's a good time for bakers across the country to warm up the ovens for holiday baking.
History of the Christmas Cookie
Today's Christmas cookies come from recipes popular in Medieval Europe when many modern ingredients were introduced into the west. Ingredients popular in these Christmas 'biscuits' included cinnamon, ginger, almonds and dried fruit.
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| Image Source: Pixabay |
The Dutch brought the earliest examples of Christmas Cookies to the United States in the 17th century.
Then between 1871 and 1906 changes in import laws allowed for cookie cutters to be imported from Germany. These highly stylized images had subjects designed to hang on Christmas Trees. Soon, recipes began to appear in cookbooks designed to use these cookie cutters.
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| Image Source: Pixabay |
Using the standard sugar cookie recipe and rolling out the dough, these 'cookie cutters' allowed us to create Christmas designs as Christmas Cookies. The cookies are often cut into the shape of candy canes, reindeer, holly leaves, Christmas trees, stars or angels.
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| Image Source: Pixabay |
Sugar Cookies Recipes
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| Image Source: Pixabay |
Everyone seems to have their favorite sugar cookie recipe for creating cut-out cookies using their selection of cookie cutters. The one I like the best comes from Lindsay of Life, Love & Sugar. She says this recipe makes soft cookies with lightly crisp edges. The perfect sugar cookie for decorating!
Sugar cookies are a classic holiday cookie tradition. Cutout cookies are also not just for Christmas. Using various shapes of cookie cutters, you can also make Hearts for Valentine's Day, Pumpkins for Halloween, and any shape for any holiday or event you desire.
Summary
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| Holiday Cookie Tray - Wikimedia |
There are numerous 'Cookie Days' throughout the year, including National Cookie Month in October and Bake Cookies Day on December 18th. But it's never too early to begin your Christmas cookie baking, as most cookies can be frozen ahead to be ready for Christmas celebrations and Christmas gifts. And, of course, Santa!
HAPPY COOKIE BAKING!
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| Image Source: Pixabay |
Related Links:
- National Cookie Day - December 4th
- Autumn Eats - A Review of Seasonal Cookie Cutters
- How to Make a Christmas Cookie Gift Set... Without Baking by Treasures by Brenda
My Amazon Picks for Christmas Cookies
Christmas Cookies History & Traditions Review written by
Wednesday Elf
