Cookie Time! More specifically, Christmas cookie time! A tradition of our family that truly is near and dear to my foodie heart.
Truth be told, my mother actually bakes most of the cookie tin treasures starting midweek prior to the invasion-of-the-kids baking day. It's legit a sugar factory the minute you walk into her house that week.
I bring my kids and my sister-in-law brings the others for the festivities on the final day. These include rolling out the cookie dough, eating some, using the cookie cutters, globbing on icing, spilling sprinkles and stealing cookies all day. Sounds perfect, right?
They also have fun making the pazelles with that used-once-a-year pazelle appliance. This year my daughter couldn't seem to remember the name right, so all day they were the "gazelles" coming hot off the press! Actually it was quite appropriate as my mom's house was much like a zoo at most moments. :)
Anyway though, each year we make mostly the same cookies. Sugar, pignoli, chocolate crinkle, chocolate chip, macaroons, walnut cups, gazelles (lol) and Italian ricotta. Pretty big spread, I told you the lady in charge starts prepping days before!
But this year, we added a new one. And I'd say one that'll make its way into the cookie tins for years to come.
Red Velvet Cookies. Not only beautiful and seasonal in appearance, but decadent and delicious in taste. Super soft and chewy in the center, yet perfectly crisp around the edges. I particularly loved the white chocolate chips as they added a bit of texture to each bite. And by each bite, I mean 10. :)
So these were a hit. Not only did they add a pop of color to the tins, they added a surprise to those who receive our cookies each year. Yes, those people are pretty lucky in my opinion. Loved, yes, but lucky as well.
But then again, we're truly the lucky ones spending each year together during the holidays doing what we love most- being together. <3
Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
In loving memory of my grandmother, who we sadly lost this year. The one that taught us the true meaning of family. May she rest in peace, bestowing on us the love she had on each and everyday she spent beside us. <3
Red Velvet Cookies
slightly adapted from: Cooking Classy
Yields: about 22-24 cookies
Ingredients:
1 1/3 C all purpose flour
4 tsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C unsalted butter, softened
1/2 C sugar
1/4 C packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp liquid red food coloring, or 1 tsp gel food coloring
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp lemon juice
1 C white chocolate chips, divided into 3/4 C and 1/4 C
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment or hand mixer, cream together the butter, sugar and brown sugar until combined.
Add in egg, mix together. Add in red food coloring, vanilla and lemon juice. Mix until combined.
Add flour mixture and mix just until combined. Stir in 3/4 C white chocolate chips.
Cover bowl and chill dough in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Using a 1 TBS cookie scoop or large spoon, scoop dough out and shape into balls- each ball about 1.5 TBS so really fill that cookie scooper! Transfer to parchment-paper lined cookie sheet spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake about 12-14 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through, until edges are set yet middle appears slightly under-baked.
Remove from oven and press the remaining chips into each cookie- about 3 each. Let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack and let cool completely.
Enjoy!
