Today I have a simple fun and classic recipe for you to enjoy for the holiday season! These chocolate sugar cookies are so much fun for the kids to make with you! They are the kind you see getting decorated in Hallmark movies, but certainly not too complicated to make.
I’ve really spent this year exploring my cooking prowess and I realize that I am loving it more and more. When my son asked me what I wanted for Christmas all I could think of was cooking gifts! I’ve compiled some amazing cooking gifts for the chef in your life–so they can be even more happier while cooking their favorite dishes!
This holiday why not buy good, useful gifts – Books!? They can be fun, too. C’mon, settle in with a good cuppa, your shopping list – in just a few minutes, you’ll have found something for nearly everyone on your list, right here. Promise.
First, for anyone who cares about ocean conservation, loves penguins, loves cookies, or likes to bake, or has nieces or nephews who like to bake…here are some awesome gift ideas:
If you’re in the Washington, D.C. area, be sure to stop by one of Warren Brown’s CakeLove bakeries where you’ll see special snowflake sugar cookies. They’re made with a brand-new recipe they developed in support of Oceana.
Warren Brown may be familiar to those who watch the FoodNetwork as the star of Sugar Rush (I LOVE THIS SHOW). Warren was practicing law when he discovered his true love – baking.
Books for Cooks
From Scratch: 10 Meals, 175 Recipes, and Dozens of Techniques You Will Use Over and Over
Michael Ruhlman’s book, or any of his prior “The Making of a Chef” series. All worthy of anyone’s afternoon. The new effort: Elements of Cooking is a takeoff on Elements of Style. But it’s sure to be tons more fun. Reviews indicate he takes all the mystery and science of the kitchen and translates it for the home cook.
My Life in France – the terrific book about Julia Child’s time in France is just out in paperback. Why not pair it with a sturdy blue apron a la Julia? Put a wooden spoon in the bow, you’re set.
Salt. Heat. Fat. Acid. – If you or the chef in your life LOVE the science of cooking check out the netflix series Salt. Heat. Fat. Acid! It is one of my favorite docuseries EVER! I flew right through it the first time and I need to watch it again to pick up all of the goodness. Here is the book that it was inspired from and it’s a great quality “heavy” cookbook.
DVDs for Foodies
How about the movie Waitress on DVD? You could pair it with a nice pie plate for a great gift. And don’t forget my favorite pie crust recipe. Border’s is running a promo now that includes recipes.
Ratatouille – This is a wonderful movie for anyone. All ages. All cooking abilities. Even restaurant reviewers. Especially restaurant reviewers.
Here is a simple recipe for chocolate sugar cookies that is sure to please! The best part is that you can use a variety of cookie cutters to make any Christmas shape you want! The photos I have here are for reindeer but you can easily make and decorate snowflakes, men, snowmen, Christmas trees, you name it!
These are like faux gingerbread cookies for those that may not like the taste of gingerbread. My own personal favorite way to decorate sugar cookies is with ugly sweaters! The kids can go crazy decorating and it’s still all so yummy! Enjoy!
Holiday Baking Fun With Kids: Chocolate Sugar Cookies
These fun and tasty chocolate sugar cookies looks just like gingerbread cookie but it's not!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and then vanilla.
Slowly add flour mixture and beat just until combined.
Remove dough from bowl to waxed paper or plastic wrap. Shape into a square, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out dough to ¼ inch thickness and cut using cookie cutter. Place on baking sheet.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until edges are set. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.
Cool completely before decorating as desired.
Have you made any holiday cookies with the family yet?
Hi! I’m Nellie. I am a busy mama of three, wife to my high school sweetheart who loves to cook, workout and stay organized! I love to share helpful printables, the best recipes and fitness tips for the modern mom. I strongly believe that every mom can feed their family well, take proper care of themselves and have fun along the way! Read my story.
Get comfortable and be sure to come hang out with me on social. Don’t grab your free fitness journal before you go!
Janine Huldie
Monday 9th of December 2019
Love the foodie gift suggestions and yummy, awesome cookie recipe to make with the whole family, too!! Thanks Nellie :)