These cookies are an everyday Finnish cookie, that I decorate with green and red glazed cherries for the holidays (inspired by Beatrice Ojakangas' suggestion in The Great Scandinavian Baking Book). They have become one of my favorite cookies, because they are not overly sweet, and are a nice change from all the sugary treats around … Continue reading Baker’s Solstice Countdown: December 13: Aunt Hanna’s Cookies

Here's another recipe from my mom, that I transcribed as she read it to me over the phone, some time in the distant past. Turns out that, upon closer examination, it came to us by way of Betty Crocker's Cooky Book, and they, in turn, acknowledge they got the recipe from Mrs. Ronald Anfinson, of … Continue reading Baker’s Solstice Countdown: December 10: Snickerdoodles

I found this recipe a long time ago, in some parenting/homemaking magazine, long since forgotten. But the cookies are unforgettable, and are a holiday tradition for us. They are another labor of love, with a number of fiddly steps, but the result is well worth the effort. Chocolate, pistachio and cherry are quite lovely together, … Continue reading Baker’s Solstice Countdown: December 6: Chocolate, Cherry, & Pistachio Pinwheels

Let's be honest with each other. Baking sugar cookies during the holidays is…well, more about the decorating than the eating. Don't look at me like that, you know the sugar cookies are the last ones left on the cookie plates after holiday gatherings. Don't let that happen to you this year. Those of you who … Continue reading Baker’s Solstice Countdown: December 5: Holiday Sugar Cookies

This is by far the best gingerbread cookie recipe I have ever eaten. Ever. The flavor is complex, full of warmth and spice, and the texture is crispy and light, not dense and tooth-shattering like many gingerbread cookies I have eaten. The cookies don't need any icing at all, but the addition of royal icing … Continue reading Baker’s Solstice Countdown: December 4: Gingerbread Cookies

Welcome back to my Baker's Solstice Countdown. Today's recipe is Anise Cookies. They're another family favorite, and a labor of love because they take 2 days to make, and the recipe makes a lot of cookies. This is another recipe from my mother-in-law, that I divided in half because the full recipe makes about 140 … Continue reading Baker’s Solstice Countdown: December 2: Anise Cookies

(Teacup and saucer: Miss Havisham's Curiosities) Welcome to my Baker's Solstice Countdown! Every day from December 1 until the Winter Solstice on December 21, I will share one of my favorite holiday recipes with you, so we can countdown to the first day of winter together in the best way I know - spending time … Continue reading Baker’s Solstice Countdown: December 1: Oatmeal Crunchies