Holiday Cookies

With some coaching from Elaine on some holiday cookie best practices, I embarked on my first ever foray into cutout holiday cookies and royal icing. If you can believe it, I've never baked a holiday cutout cookie (save for a handful of disappointing attempts as a teenager) -- let alone make enough to give to local friends and family as a kick start to the season. But recently I was reading through old pages on our blog and came across Elaine's post of holiday cookies last year as well as the Poillane butter cookie recipe. That was all the inspiration I needed.

What fun I've had these past two days putting together these little treats. I couldn't imagine doing this every day the way Elaine did at Bittersweet but for a few days just after getting our tree up it was exactly what I needed to get in the holiday spirit.

Although I love the look of the classic ginerbread man, I must admit that I am a true sucker for those butter cookies. They very well may just be the most delectable things I have ever baked in my kitchen ... so simple, only four indgredients, but incredibly delicious especially with a fresh pot of tea. I used Irish unsalted butter and the results were wonderful. And I'm looking forward to trying with some indulgent French butter as well.


In terms of shapes, I fell in love with the snowflakes. They're so pretty and delicate and to me are very evocative of winter.

Can't wait to share some of these treats in the coming days and weeks. If you guys haven't started your holiday baking yet ... call Elaine as she'll get you in the perfect mood!