RedGage

Christmas break is coming! Entertain your kids with these simpleholiday cookie recipes. Roll, cut, bake and decorate- that’s the name of the game!Make snow days and Christmas break fun for everyone! Keep kidsoccupied with cookie making for a holiday cookie exchange withfamily and friends. Children can enjoy every part of the process!Sugar CookiesA basic sugar cookie recipe is a holiday baking essential. This onesugar cookie dough recipe can be shaped, rolled, molded, or cut into several different holiday treats. With a little creativity and a pantry full of food coloring, flavorings, baking chips, and candy pieces, the options are endless.Basic Sugar Cookie Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for shaping the cookies
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter andsugar until smooth.
3. Add the egg and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in thevanilla.
4. With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated (the dough will be stiff). Shape into a disk and (unless otherwise specified in an individual recipe) refrigerate, wrapped, for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.
5. Make cookies. Use whatever method desired: cut-outs, rolled, dropped, bar, etc. Bake at 350° F for 12-15 minutes per pan of cookies.
6. Store cookies in an airtight contain for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ginger BreadI love gingerbread. There’s so much you can do with it depending on the recipe. Make gingerbread men, cakes, breads, cream-filled sandwich cookies, breakfast muffins, gingerbread houses, etc. Becreative!** If you don’t have much time and don’t want to make your own cookie dough mix, not only can you buy refrigeratedsugar cookie dough in your local market, but now they havegingerbread too. See if you can find a coupon and check for it the next time you go shopping!**Ingredients:

•  
  • 1 (6 ounce) packages butterscotch pudding mix
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1 egg
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:Christmas Baking With The KidsHoliday cooking and baking does take a little advanced planning andChristmas baking with the kids can have its own set of challenges. Plan recipes that are simple, easy and can be enjoyed quickly. Look for kid-friendly holiday cookie recipes with basic ingredients and directions. Let children help in every possible way. Give each child a job and when it comes time to decorate, give each child a plate ofcookies to make their own.Food Allergies and Sugar-Free OptionsWhen baking especially during the holidays, it is good to be aware of any food allergies or dietary restrictions children might have. Nut allergies are fairly common so choosing a cookie recipe with allergy-friendly ingredients is a must. Do a little research when it comes tosugar-free recipes. You want a tasty turnout and one that is not too expensive to make. Gluten- free also falls into this category. A little research before baking day can go a long way!Kids in the KitchenAllowing children to help make Christmas cookies, holiday gifts and treats is a great way to keep them occupied and happy during thewinter break. It can take a little more planning but it’s a great way to build lasting holiday memories year after year.It’s your turn! What is your favorite cookie recipe and how do you get the kids involved?