The Great Virtual Cookie Swap

Today is a doozie of a post, but it’s only because there is lots of deliciousness to share… but first, I must mention last night. Hubbs and I hosted friends over for a Christmas dinner. It was so much fun to get to show off our Christmas decorations and have a reason to set the table.

It was pot luck and there were many yummy things to eat. (I made Iowa Girl Eats’ Healthified Artichoke dip – it was a success!)

The scene was set, everyone arrived, festive cocktails were poured… then Hailey went berserk! I’m talking inconsolable-tears-running-down-her-face berserk. I had never seen her like that, ever. We tried every trick in the book- bouncing, white noise, nursing, even the bath tub. Nothing worked. My heart broke because it was clear she was looking at my with ‘I’m hurting, mama’ eyes. I knew it had to be a tummy troubles. About 45 minutes and one warm bath later, she finally let some solid toots escape… instant relief. My happy little girl returned.  Clearly she had worn herself out, which was nice because it meant we could return and have dinner with our friends. What are the odds that she goes crazy the one time we have people over? Luckily they are a fabulous group, and no one minded a bit

Now that you’re in the Christmas mood, let me tell you about the…

It was so neat to participate in a secret Santa type cookie swap, especially because it meant receiving scrumptious treats in the mail!

There were these can-I-just-pretend-these-are-healthy-because-they-are-so-good dark chocolate cookies from Meg.

These festive, thin-mint tasting (YUM) mint chocolate truffle cookies from Teri

and these melt-in-your-mouth (seriously!) Peanut Butter Hazelnut Brownies from Kristen.

In order to receive all these fabulous treats, I had to participate myself, so I whipped up some of my mom’s super easy and always a hit

Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

• 1 c butter, softened
• 3 oz cream cheese
• 1 c sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 1/2 c all purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• confectioners sugar
• food coloring

I doubled the recipe so there would be leftovers

Cream Butter and cream cheese in mixer. Gradually add sugar until light and fluffy.

Then add the egg yolk and vanilla. Beat well.

Gradually add flour. Why yes, that is an adult onesie I’m wearing. Don’t hate.

Mix until well blended. Scrape down the sides and chill dough for at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 325. Roll dough into 1” balls and place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.

Create the thumbprint… using a well-washed thumb

Bake for 12-15 minutes. About halfway through I stick my thumb back in to ensure a proper thumbprint. Once baked, pull out and allow to cool. Once fully cooled, blend confectioners sugar, a little bit of water and food coloring, until you have icing. Pour into cooled thumbprints.

Once icing hardens, package them up!

It was fun to bundle up the cookies and send them on their way!

I hope you check out some of these great cookie recipes, and if you try out my cream cheese cookies, let me know what you think. I love them. They’ve always screamed CHRISTMAS to me

What is the one cookie that Christmas just isn’t Christmas for you without it?

Be Sociable, Share!

•