Mama Says Monday: Cookies, Cookies, Cookies!

I hear that today is National Cookie Day...

So, this begins one of my busy baking weeks. This Thursday night will be Christmas on Main Street in Trenton. The Journal will be serving cookies and punch. I have been helping with the cookies for several years now.

The hardest part is deciding which cookies to bake. We need too many cookies to take the time to decorate them. But we do serve home-baked cookies. I always make several batches of M&M cookies because they are such a hit with the children. I am also baking Ginger Cookies, because it seems to be such a traditional Christmas flavor. But I generally vary my other flavors, sometimes trying new recipes. Several years ago, I made some Lime Cookies, but now I can’t remember what recipe I used. I remember that a lot of people liked them, so I found a recipe for them, but I’m not sure it is the same one. So that will be my third flavor. Also, recently I found a recipe for German Chocolate Cookies, with toasted pecans and coconut, that I am thinking I will make. Also, Chocolate Crinkle cookies are always a hit. I like Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies. Ooh, and Butter Toffee cookies. Decisions, decisions!!! We need a lot, but deciding which ones to make is always my hardest part. 

At any rate, I made the Ginger Cookie dough tonight, I plan to make the Lime Cookie dough Monday night. Making the dough ahead helps because I will be baking most of the day Wednesday and Thursday and then Aleta and I will help serve the cookies Thursday night. Aleta has bought us special gingerbread aprons to wear when serving. 

It’s a fun night, seeing all the kids and their excitement. It’s like this is the night that will usher in the Christmas season in Trenton. There will be snow (shipped in ‘cause you know it’s not likely to happen otherwise here in Florida) for the kids to play in, a visit with Santa, crafts, possibly a live nativity and lots of other things. So, in the spirit of Christmas, I will share my Ginger Cookie recipe. And the best part (you know me), it’s easy.

Ginger Cookies

1 box spice cake mix
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 teasp. Ginger
1 teasp. Cinnamon
2 eggs
1 stick butter, softened
Turbinado sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Mix together all ingredients except turbinado sugar. It helps to chill the dough at this time but is not necessary. Drop teaspoons or scoops of dough into bowl with turbinado sugar. Roll to coat dough with sugar. Place on pans about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cookies will still appear puffed and not quite done. Take out anyway, especially if you like soft, chewy cookies. Place pans on cooling racks. Cookies lose puffiness, will fall and crinkle. Bonus… your house will smell like Christmas. Enjoy!!