When it comes to baking, 11 out of 12 months out of the year, I am a self-confessed short-cut-baker. Betty and Duncan are all good friends whom I invite into my pantry often.
But when the holidays roll around, I get into the zone- I bust out FLOUR. I throw around the term “FROM SCRATCH” because in my Christmas kitchen? There are no short cuts allowed! …. Well ok, sometimes there are a few short cuts– but LESS. Definitely less short cuts.
I have my traditional cookies that I bring back by popular demand very year, but I like to try a new cookie or two every holiday season just to switch it up a bit.
This year I was feeling a little…”nutty” (insert crazy joke here). My picks?
Oooy- Gooey- Pecan Caramel Surprise Cookies, because let’s face it, I’m mildly obsessed with caramel- and Walnut Sugar Cookie Rugala’s because Rugalas are the ultimate coffee-cookie, and mama loves herself some Christmas cookies and coffee……mmmm… now I’m hungry.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of pecans
- 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 stick of unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of flour
- 24 chewy caramel squares
- 3/4 cup of confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Crush pecans and mix well with 1 table spoon of granulated sugar
- In a mixer, mix butter, remaining granulated sugar and vanilla extract
- Add flour to mixture, then add pecan mixture
- Line cookie sheet with parchment paper
- Roll 1 tablespoon of batter into a ball and insert a caramel square
- Continue to roll into a ball until completely closed and caramel cannot be seen
- Place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart
- Bake until lightly brown - approx 15 minutes.
- Cool and cover with confectioners sugar
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup of walnuts
- 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 2 sticks unsalted butter
- 1 package (8oz) cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- (Optional: 1 table spoon cinnamon and 1 table spoon of sugar mixed)
Instructions
- Mix butter, cream cheese granulated sugar and salt
- Add flour and mix until dough forms
- Divide dough mixture in 1/2, flatten into discs
- Wrap discs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2+ hours (Thaw before baking)
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
- Lightly beat egg + 1 teaspoon of water in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Place dough on lightly floured parchment paper and roll into flat, 1/4 inch thick discs
- Brush circles with egg mixture
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and walnuts
- Cut circle into 16 equal triangles with a pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Starting with the wide end, roll up each triangle
- Place on baking sheet and brush with egg mixture
- (Optional: Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon)
