It’s ten days to Christmas and I have finally baked my first Christmas cookie.
I know, I know…what is wrong with me? I have a lot of excuses for not baking – would you like to hear them?
- there’s no snow on the ground and it feels like October
- my tree has been up since mid November (thanks to my daughter) so that ‘holiday’ spirit has been around too long
- I’m in the middle of writing a book that is the complete opposite of all things holiday
- my husband and I have been separated for 2 months and it’s been an emotional rollercoaster of a ride
- I’m really trying to eat healthy and have been trying to not introduce all this sugary goodness
See – I have a lot of excuses for not baking. It was my mom however who prodded me to start – whether she intended to or not. I’m headed down to their ‘summer trailer’ in Florida next month for a long visit and she asked me to bring some Christmas baking. At first I laughed – in a household of 3 teenage girls, baking NEVER lasts long, but then I started thinking…if I made it the week I leave, I should have ‘some’ to share, right? (sorry Mom, I doubt any will make it…)
- 1 c. softened butter
- 1 1/2 c flour
- 1/2 c icing sugar (confection sugar)
- Heat oven to 350.
- Combine all the ingredients until light and fluffy – mix for about 10 min (feel free to go longer).
- Drop by spoonful onto pan.
- Bake for 15-20 min
- add sprinkles, confetti, sugar onto the top or just leave them plain. Either way, they are delicious
Which got me thinking about cookies and Christmas and all the things I love about baking during the holidays and so OF COURSE I had to make shortbread cookies.
By the time the second tray of cookies were in the oven, I’d eaten probably half of the first tray.
Now, I have a tip that I want to reiterate. Let these babies whip for a long time. I know, I know, it’s hard, but the minimum you should whip these are ten minutes. 10 min. Or longer. But not shorter. Trust me on this…
I’ve a look at the shortbread mixture whipping on Instagram. Take a look.
So much for not wanting to eat a lot of sugar this holiday. Next up – my awesome candy cane cookies!
I’m sorry to hear about your troubles and that you and your husband ate separated…this must be a very sad, strange holiday. I hope you have a wonderful time in Florida. Merry Christmas to you and your daighters!