Its the time of year that I bake like a maniac.  Usually I send cookies to all corners of the country as gifts for friends and family.  I compile a great assortment of cookies that will appeal to everyone; some with nuts, some without, a chocolate cookie for the chocoholics like myself ,one with fruit and a good roasted nut mix.  I like to think of it as a way of sending a piece of myself to everyone for the holidays.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite cookies, most of these have been repeated year after year.  I also included a recipe I am considering adding to my cookie gifts this year.

My all time favorite has to be Ina’s Jam Thumbprint cookies.

Coconut Shortbread

Shortbread with Strawberry

Terri’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sugared Almonds

This cookie dough is versatile and can be frozen and be ready to slice and bake within 10 minutes.   It can be baked as is or you can add fruits, nuts, flavored extracts and chocolate chips; the possibilities are endless.  I made 3 types of cookies that appealed to my tastes buds.  My favorite was the Cranberry orange and white chocolate, while my husband loved the toffee.

A Trio of Shortbread Cookies

adapted from Southern Living

1 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup powdered sugar

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy and fluffy.  Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.  Stir in vanilla extract.

Mix together flour, baking powder and salt.  On low speed gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, beat on low speed until well blended.  If adding anything nuts, dried fruit or any other add-ins, add now.

Shape dough into 2 logs and wrap in wax paper.  Chill for 2 hours.

Remove from fridge.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Slice logs into 20 pieces, place slices on a lightly greased cookie sheet.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool.

To jazz up this cookie:

Cranberry, orange and white chocolate Shortbread

Stir in 1 tsp orange zest, 1/2  cup chopped dried cranberries and 1/2 cup white chocolate chips.

Toasted Coconut

Stir in 1 cup toasted coconut

Toffee

Stir in 1/2 cup heath toffee bits