10 holiday cookies to grace your dessert trays

We love cookies any time of year, but nothing says “holidays” quite like a plate piled high with these sweet treats. Cookies are the go-to indulgence for dessert trays and gifts, and cookie swaps have become a fun and tasty way to spread the wealth.

Whether you’re looking for classics or a few new ideas, here are 10 delectable recipes to try.

Ginger Walnut Cookies (shown above)

Made with chopped walnuts, crystallized ginger and sweet cinnamon glaze, these treats are great alternative to traditional sugar cookies. Cut into different shapes to suit any occasion.

Cookies:

1 cup butter, softened (250 mL)
1 cup sugar (250 mL)
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract (10 mL)
3 cups flour (750 mL)
1-1/2 tsp cinnamon (7 mL)
1/2 tsp baking soda (2 mL)
1/2 tsp salt (2 mL)
1 cup finely chopped California walnuts (250 mL)
1/2 cup finely chopped crystallized ginger (125 mL)

Cinnamon Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar (500 mL)
2 tbsp milk (30 mL)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (2 mL)

Cookies:

Beat butter and sugar together in a large bowl until fluffy; stir in eggs and vanilla.

Stir together flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture, mixing until thoroughly combined. Stir in walnuts and ginger. Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. (May be prepared up to a week ahead.)

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a portion of the dough, roll out 1/4-inch (5-mm) thick on a lightly floured board and cut into stars or other desired shapes.

Place on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges.

Transfer cookies to a baking rack to cool before coating with a thin layer of Cinnamon Glaze.

Store cookies in an airtight container.

Cinnamon Glaze:

Stir together powdered sugar, milk and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth.

Makes 4 dozen.

PER SERVING: 126 calories, 6 g total fat, 3 g saturated fat, 1 g monounsaturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 18 mg cholesterol, 42 mg sodium, 18 g carbohydrate, 2 g protein.

Recipe and image courtesy of the California Walnut Commission. For more recipe ideas and information about the health benefits of walnuts, visit www.walnutinfo.com.

Next holiday cookie idea: Customize these cookies with your favourite dried fruit