Christmas Goodies!

I love to bake. Unfortunately, I love to eat what I bake too. The one time that I seem to be able to bake and not eat it all is Christmas. Why?, you ask? Well, because at Christmas, I bake to give it away. Most of my Christmas cookies and candies I make for others, there is one variety that I truly make for myself and don't give as many away. I'm not sure it is any healthier for me than the others, but it is a favorite of mine and it's the only time of the year that I have it. The funny thing, at least to me, is that many of the cookies that I make at Christmas time, I don't make any other time of the year. The thing is, aside from the cookie cutter shapes that I select, nothing makes them Christmas specific cookies and candies.

Here is what I made this year:

Christmas Cut Out Cookies
Brown Sugar and Spice Cut Out Cookies (mine!)
Lemon Squares
7 Layer Bars
Brutzel Bars
Mint Chocolate Cookies (think Thin Mint)
Sea Salt Caramels, chocolate dipped
Butter Caramels, both wrapped and chocolate dipped
Cookie Dough Truffles
Thumbprint Shortbread Cookies
Fudge

The plate pictured above is what I am taking to work to share with everyone. I also made up containers of cookies for my son's two teachers last night and will make up plates for my daughter's teachers later this week. Many of these cookies are classics from my childhood, but others are ones that I made for the first time this year. I always bring cookies to share when we go to Christmas at my parent's house. In the end, I am usually left with just a few cookies to share when we have company and for the kids to enjoy as snacks over the holidays.

Baking cookies and making candies to share with others at the holidays, Works For Me!