Eat Your Way to a Lucky New Year with Eight Great Lucky Foods

2009 was a terrific year. 2010 is going to be better. How do I know? Because I'll be eating my way to a prosperous 2010.

Whether it's long noodles for longevity, lentils for wealth and abundance, or pork for prosperity, there's a lucky food to suit any palate.

Check out my SDNN.com article "Eight Great Lucky Foods for a Prosperous New Year," for 24 delicious recipes for New Year's Day. Happy New Year!


Long noodles are symbolic of a long life; just be careful not to break them when eating them, or you risk a shortened life -- Yikes!

Two Terrific Leftover Turkey Sandwich Recipes

Me: I should post the turkey sandwich with the cranberry sauce. Everyone will have leftover cranberry sauce to use up.

Me: Nope. Too much like Thanksgiving. I'll go with the Southwest sandwich.

Me: But cranberry sauce won't be around much longer; habanero Gouda cheese is around all year.

Me: No, no. Too much like Thanksgiving.

Me: I'm just gonna post both; that way, people can decide for themselves.

Jeff: Who are you talking to?


Turkey, Cranberry, and Gruyere Sandwich with Sage Mustard

This Turkey, Cranberry, and Gruyere Sandwich with Sage Mustard is all about opposites attracting: toasty, fragrant rye bread and moist, savory turkey; tart cranberry sauce and mild Gruyere cheese; earthy sage and tangy mustard. Somehow, they all come together in perfect harmony.


Southwest Turkey Sandwich with Habanero Gouda

This spicy Southwest Turkey Sandwich was inspired by our recent visit to Winchester Farms. Winchester Farms, which is located about 75 minutes from San Diego, is owned and operated by Jules Wesselink, who was born and raised in Haarlem, Holland. Jules has been operating his own dairies in California since the 1950's, so he knows how to make Gouda cheese.

Winchester Farms's Gouda cheese is exceptional. They offer numerous varieties ranging from mild to sharp and include stand-out flavors like garlic Gouda and habanero Gouda. The fiery habanero Gouda is the secret to my Southwest Turkey Sandwich. With its tender texture and bold flavor, you don't need much else to make this sandwich shine. Although I do highly recommend pairing it with some salty tortilla chips and a cold Dos Equis. 



Turkey, Cranberry, and Gruyere Sandwich with Sage Mustard

Makes 1 sandwich
Print recipe only here.

2 slices rye bread
2 teaspoons spicy golden mustard
1 large sage leaf
3-4 thick slices of turkey meat
1 ounce Gruyere cheese, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon cranberry sauce

1. Lightly toast the bread. Mix the mayo and sage together, and spread on both slices of toast.

2.Heat turkey in a skillet on the stove top for several minutes, until warmed through. Add to the sandwich. Add turkey, cheese, and cranberry sauce. Slice in half, and eat immediately.



Southwest Turkey Sandwich
Makes 1 sandwich
Print recipe only here.

2 slices multi-grain sourdough bread or bread of your choice
1 tablespoon mayo
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
3-4 thick slices of turkey meat
1 ounce habanero Gouda cheese or other hot, spicy cheese, thinly sliced
3 small slices of fresh tomato

1. Lightly toast the bread. Spread both slices with mayo, and top with cilantro.

2.  Heat turkey in a skillet on the stove top for several minutes, until warmed through. Add to the sandwich. Top with cheese and tomato. Eat immediately.


You might also like these sandwiches from Food Blogga:
Frittata Sandwich
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Turkey Burger with Apples, Gruyere, and Sage Mayo
Turkey and Prosciutto Sandwich with Gorgonzola and Arugula 

Here are more terrific turkey sandwiches:
Turkey-Apple Salad Melt Panini recipe at Panini Happy
My Favorite Turkey Sandwich recipe at Food For My Family
Skinny Turkey Cuban Sandwich recipe at Gina's WW Recipes
Chipotle Turkey Salad Sandwich recipe at Simply Recipes

Christmas Day Brunch and Breakfast Recipes

Jeff and I have been starving ourselves for the last two days. Well, not actually starving. We did have our morning coffee. Oh, and I sneaked in a couple of double chocolate pomegranate cookies yesterday. But those don't count. I was recipe testing.

Why are we starving ourselves? Because in less than 48 hours on Christmas Eve night, we will be enjoying a traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes. That means fried calamari, fried smelts, and crab cakes. Snail salad, bacala (a dried, salted fish), and shrimp cocktail. (Those are just the starters.) Then comes the pasta. Two types of pasta, actually -- one with mixed seafood including shrimp, scallops, and lobster; the other with olive oil, clam sauce, and parsley. Then we'll finish with jumbo stuffed shrimp and garlicky broccoli rabe.

Jeff figures if he can lose enough enough weight to tighten his belt by one notch, then that'll leave him a whole notch-worth of eating on Christmas Eve. Genius.

You might think that we wouldn't eat on Christmas Day. We do. Christmas breakfast or brunch always upstages Christmas dinner because who feels like eating turkey and vegetables after all that seafood? Fruit salad, pancakes, and frittatas are much more appealing. Chances are good that even if you don't celebrate Christmas Eve, you'll have a special Christmas Day breakfast or brunch. So if you're looking for Christmas Day breakfast and brunch ideas, here are some of my favorite archived recipes.

Happy Holidays!

Panettone French Toast

Ricotta Hotcakes with Warm Spiced Apples and Maple Syrup


Spinach and Ricotta Frittata


Cherry, Prune, and Almond Granola


Savory Sausage and Fennel Galette

Banana, Coconut, and Date Bread

Need a few more ideas? Check out these recipes from Food Blogga:
Spiced Coffee
Winter Jewel Fruit Salad with Honey-Citrus Glaze
Pear and Cardamom Coffee Cake with Pecan Streusel
Old-Fashioned Spiced Apple Streusel Muffins
Lemony Medjool Date and Pomegranate Scones
Chestnut Pancakes with Pancetta, Creme Fraiche, and Cinnamon Maple Syrup


Here are more delicious Christmas breakfast and brunch recipes:
Holiday Breakfast Wreath recipe at The Kitchn
Pumpkin Waffles recipe at Smitten Kitchen
Gingerbread Pancakes recipe at Homesick Texan
Sausage Breakfast Casserole recipe at Simply Recipes
Spiked Egg French Toast recipe at Pinch My Salt

Eat Christmas Cookies, Season 3, The Final Round-Up

Hello Everybody,

Many thanks to all of you who participated in this year's Eat Christmas Cookies event! You brought sweetness and joy into the kitchens of people around the world. May your holidays be full of love, warmth, and beauty.

With warmest appreciation,
Susan

Lynne of And then I do the dishes from Levis, Quebec

Lynne wanted a novel cookie to stand out among the usual suspects. She found one with her recipe for deliciously fragrant, crisp, and toasty Sesame Snap Wafers.

Brii of BriiBlog from Valsorda, Italy

Brii shares a beloved holiday confection that makes her nostalgic for her childhood in Sweden: Lussekattor or Swedish Saffron Buns.

T.W. Barritt of Culinary Types from Long Island, New York

If you don't receive enough kisses under the mistletoe, then you can always make a big batch of  T.W.'s sweet Hershey Kiss Cookies.

 

Chris of Mele Cotte from Atlanta, Georgia

Chris's Oooooey-Gooooey Bars, made with chocolate chips, pecans, and marshmallows will leave you swooning.

 Barbara of Dish 'n' That from Hudson Valley, New York

Christmas wouldn't be complete for Barabara without Vin's Anginettes, mildly sweet, citrus laced, frosted Italian cookies.

Johanna of Green Gourmet Giraffe from Melbourne, Australia

Johanna's Chocolate and Ginger Flapjacks are like a flapjack and a bar cookie all rolled into one.

Rachel of Rachel's Ramblings from Gloucestershire, UK

Though this was Rachel's first attempt at Florentines, they came so out so well that she vowed to never buy the store-bought ones again.

Champa of Stories from an Indian Kitchen from Pennsylvania

 

Cranberries and white chocolate get along splendidly in these easy Cranberry White Chocolate Bars.

Vera of Delicious for Kids from Serbia

Vera's combines orange and chocolate, which are best friends, in her lovely cocoa-dusted Jaffa Balls. 

Cristina of La Cucina di Cristina from Italy

Though she lives in Italy, Cristina shares a traditional Romanian recipe for Cornulete, or Romanian Sweet Rolls, filled with Turkish delight.

Curry Leaf

Feel like lazing around and eating Bon-Bons all day? You can with Curry Leaf's recipe.

Nic of Cherrapeno from the UK

I don't what kids will love more about Nic's delightful Chocolate Snowmen Krispies-- making them or eating them.

Curious Baker from London, England

Curious Baker made a lovely assortment of white and dark chocolate Mendiants, chocolate discs with toppings such as pomegranate arils, fleur de sel, and pistachios. 

Mary of Sweet Mary from Baltimore, Maryland

When it's cold and snowy outside, Mary stays warm and toasty inside with a hot cup of tea and some Sweet Almond Cookies.

Paula of Half Baked from Dotham, Alabama

Half the fun of making Christmas cookies for Paula is decorating them with royal icing, as she did so prettily with these Drop In and Decorate Sugar Cookies.

 Champa of Stories from an Indian Kitchen from Pennsylvania

They're simple, spicy, and sweet. They're Champa's Ginger Spice Cookies.

Champa's crowd-pleasing Coconut Macaroons are easy-peasy to make. 

Megan of Megan's Cookin from Redding, California

Megan wraps up 12 Days of Cookies with enticingly fragrant Molasses Crinkles made with ginger and cloves.

Katie of Apple & Spice from Bedford, UK

These are some of the most enchanting Gingerbread Cookies you'll ever find.

 Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Canada

You've had Girl Scout thin mints, but you've never had Sarah's boozy Thin Mints spiked with vodka and creme de menthe. Now, that's a thin mint.

Janet (Food Blogga's mom) from Rhode Island

Mom says, "These cookies are just wonderful! They're so fast and easy to make, so they're perfect for people looking for a last-minute Christmas cookie."

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
2 cups sugar
4 teaspoons cocoa powder
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick cooking oats

Combine, sugar, butter, cocoa, and milk in a pan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir in oatmeal and mix well. Drop cookies by the spoonful onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Refrigerate and chill until firm.

Rocquie of Sage Trifle from Western North Carolina, just outside Asheville

Sometimes you just can't beat an oldie-but-goodie, like Classic Peanut Butter Cookies, with criss-cross fork marks, of course.

Kara of What's Kookin' from Falls Church, Virginia

Everyone loves cookies and hot chocolate. That's why Kara's Hot Chocolate Cookies are brilliant -- they're cookies and hot chocolate all baked into one glorious confection. (Yes, marshmallows are included.) 

Ben of What's Cooking? from Columbus, Ohio

Ben says that his Rompope (Eggnog Cookies) are the best cookies he has tasted this year. Lucky for us, he's sharing his recipe.

Ria of Ria's Collection from India

According to Ria, "This is the season for being nostalgic." That's why she made a batch of Melting Moments; they are a delicious reminder of wonderful times spent with her cousin.

 Champa of Stories from an Indian Kitchen from Pennsylvania

These are big, fat, chocolate studded Chocolate Chip Cookies that -- surprise! -- are made with vanilla pudding mix.

Preeti of Khaugiri from Bangalore, India

Nankatai hold special memories for Preeti since she used to bake them in a small, round electric oven in her dorm room during college days.

Deeba of Passionate About Baking from India

Deeba adds zing to her Chocolate Gingerbread Drops by lacing them with fresh spicy ginger.

Sugar Plum Fairy of Vanilla Strawberry Spring Fields from Goa, India

With all of their sparkle, Sugar Plum Fairy's Choco Chippy Cookies All Dressed For Christmas may just make the other cookies jealous.

Is it a cookie? Is it a brownie? It's both. It's a Chocolate Chip Cookie with Intensely Gooey Chocolate Brownie.

Susan of Food Blogga from San Diego, CA

You don't have to go to The Nutcracker to have visions of sugarplums dance in your head because you can enjoy actual Sugarplums at home! (It doesn't hurt to make them with Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker playing in the background.)

Deepa of Food Lyrics from Pune, Maharasthra, India

Deepa earned an A+ when she treated her classmates to her decadent, dark Shortbread Choco-Frosted Cookies at the class's holiday party.

Ben of What's Cooking? from Columbus, Ohio

Give yourself the gift of Ben's Chocolate and Caramel Cookies paired with his homemade Champurrado, a sweet, creamy Mexican drink thickened with corn flour.

Ronell of My French Kitchen

Ronelle's flower shaped Old-Fashioned Jam Drop Cookies are beautiful. What's even more beautiful is the story of her wedding 27 years ago that accompanies this recipe. 

Parita of Parita's World from Mumbai, India

You'll add holiday cheer to your kitchen when you bake a batch of Parita's colorful Eggless Tutti-Frutti Cookies.

Joel of Get the Foodie 411 from Oshawa, Canada

Joel serves up a manly, meaty cookie for the holidays: True North Strong and Frees Almond Maple Shortbread with Pig Candy and Maple Frosting.

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Canada

After the kids go to bed to await Santa's arrival, the adults should break out Sarah's Red Wine and Espresso Bean Cookies.

The secret to Sarah's crazy good Chewy Double Chocolate Chip Cookies isn't the combination of white and dark chocolate chips, it's the cream cheese.

Nirmala of Amma's Kitchen from Chennai, India

Nirmala bravely admits that she faced some difficulties making macarons, but her resourcefulness led to these lovely, soft pink French Meringue Biscuits.

Sugar Plum Fairy of Vanilla Strawberry Spring Fields from Goa, India

Though you could enjoy these fruity Chewy Pineapple Choco Chip Cookie with Gooey Chocolate cookies as is, Sugar Plum Fairy suggests pairing them with a glass of warm vanilla or cinnamon flavored milk for the ultimate treat.

Suzana of Home Gourmets from Lisbon, Portugal

Whether or not your a frills-and-ruffles girly-girl, you won't be able to resist Suzana's pretty-in-pink Cranberry Orange Cookies with fondant icing.

Patsy of Family, Friends, and Food from New Jersey

Patsy has elevated gingersnaps to a whole new level of deliciousness with her Gingersnap Raspberry Sandwich Cookies.

Sudha of Malaysian Delicacies from Malaysia

To honor the Malaysian custom of "open house" during the holidays, Sudha will invite friends over for desserts such as her playful chocolate-topped Fancy Ice Cream Cone Cookies.

Shannon of Tri to Cook from Boston, Massachusetts

Shannon's lemon-laced Blueberry Lavender Butter Cookies herald cheerful spring days to come.

Winnie of Healthy Green Kitchen from New Paltz, NY

Children with gluten sensitivity will be thrilled to receive a box of Winnie's Gluten-Free Chocolate Mint Cookies, a cheerful, gluten-free version of the classic Girl Scout cookie.

Kelly of Healthy Living with Kelly from Austin, Texas

Despite being thick, moist, and fudgy, Kelly's Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies are low in fat. She promises they won't disappoint. I believe her.

Sugar Plum Fairy of Vanilla Strawberry Spring Fields from Goa, India

Sugar Plum Fairy has been baking a blizzard of cookies. These thumbprint cookies are extra special because they're filled with silky chocolate ganache and playfully named Thumbalina Goes Christmas Cookies.

You can't get much merrier than these red and green Christmas Colored Cookies.

For A Very Chocolatey Choco Chip Cookie, try Sugar Plum's dense, rich cookies made with both chocolate chips and Nutella.

Even though they're not baked with any Snickers bars, kids and adults alike can't get enough Snickerdoodles at Christmas time. 

Sugar Plum Fairy's Intensely Chocolatey Gooey Fudgelicious Brownies actually made her squeal with delight.

  Nic of Cherrapeno from London, England

Await "oohs" and "aaahs" when you present Nic's oh-so-pretty-in-pink Festive Cranberry and Pistachio Macarons with White Chocolate Vanilla Cream.

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Canada

Sarah says these Floorplan Brownies are "nothing short of insane on the richness scale," so you may need to pace yourself.

Rocquie of Sage Trifle from Western North Carolina, just outside Asheville

You'll be happy to hear that these elegant, sweet-tart Chocolate Orange Cookies are also easy to make.

Elly of Elly Says Opa! from Chicago, Illinois

Filled with a minty white chocolate cream, Elly's Chocolate-Mint Thumbprints are a wintery twist on traditional jam-filled thumbprints.

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Canada

Despite a hellishly hectic week, Sarah managed to whip up not one, but two different batches of shortbread. First she offers Mom's Shortbread Cookies with the caveat: don't halve the recipe and no substitutions!

Next Sarah offers satisfyingly textured Oats and Chocolate Shortbread Coins.

Ivy of Kopiaste from Athens, Greece

Ivy shares a treasured Greek confection: snow-covered, melt-in-your-mouth Kourabiedes.

Deb of Nonna's House from Vancouver, BC

Deb transforms traditional Italian biscotti into merry Holiday Biscotti by adding red cranberries and green pistachios.

Chriesi of Almond Corner from Switzerland

Add sparkle to your Christmas cookie tray with Chriesi's Spicy Icy Stars laced with fragrant cardamom, cloves, and citrus peel.

Marta of mangiare e un po come viacciare from Verona, Italy

Marta's iced Shortbread Men are too cool -- with their funky arms, they can actually hang on to your coffee mug. Seriously. That's just cool.

Dorothy of Giddy-Up Gluten Free from Seattle, Washington

Dorothy's Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Sugar Cookies are about as fuss-free a sugar cookie as you'll find. No chilling, rolling, or cutting is required, but you still get that warm, sugary goodness.

 Graziana of Erbe in cucina from Italy

Graziana is bursting with Christmas cheer this year and plans on baking up a snow storm of treats. Her first is the classic Swedish ginger cookie: Pepparkakor.

Megan of Megan's Cookin' from Redding, California

How do you spell decadence?  Chocolate Caramel Bars. Rich shortbread is topped with a stunningly thick layer of gooey chocolate-caramel and sprinkled with sea salt.

 Priya of Priya's Easy N Tasty Recipes from Paris, France

Priya's Eggless Gingery Carrot Cookies made with grated fresh carrots, oats, and almonds are like a delightful cross between carrot cake and oat scones.

Renu of Renu's Kitchen from USA

Ordinary Eggless Oatmeal Walnut Cookies become extraordinary by simply toasting the oats and walnuts first for added depth of flavor. 

Manju of Three Tastes from Metro, DC area

It's hard to believe that biscotti can be low-fat and delicious, but Manju's Cocoa Cherry Biscotti are exactly that: made with egg whites, these cookies are low in fat and calories yet rich in crisp, chocolate-y goodness.

Chris of Mele Cotte from Atlanta, Georgia

Do I need to say anything more than Praline Buttercream Bars? Come on, seriously, who couldn't resist a cookie with a name like that?

 Happy Cook of My Kitchen Treasures from Belgium

The only good thing about having your stove die on you two weeks before Christmas is getting a new stove to bake your Christmas cookies. Happy Cook's latest cookie creation, Cookies Filled with Nuts and Marzipan, are packed with walnuts, marzipan, and red currant jelly.

Susan of Food Blogga from San Diego, California

For an easy yet elegant Christmas cookie gift, try these spicy-sweet, cocoa-dusted Easy Chocolate Ginger Truffles. 

Mimi of Delectable Tidbits from Santa Barbara, California

Despite its age, Mimi's Meyer lemon tree manages to produce some dazzling Meyer lemons each December. This year, Mimi celebrates the bounty with a batch of tart and tangy Meyer Lemon and Cranberry Bars.

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Canada

Looking for a unique cookie that will stand out among the ususal Christmas suspects? Try Sarah's fragrant Jeweled Persian Saffron Cookies made with saffron threads and dried cranberries.

Cakelaw of Laws of the Kitchen from Australia

Whether you call them snowballs, butterballs, or as Cakelaw calls them, Mexican Wedding Cakes, you won't be able to resist these sugar-coated buttery treats. 

Saveur from Taste Space Toronto, Canada

You've had gingersnaps, but have you had Cinnamon Snaps yet? They have same crisp texture that's perfect for dunking yet offer the singular sweet and spicy flavor and scent of cinnamon.

Jasmin of Cookinette from Dusseldorf, Germany

Before jettisoning off to exotic Thailand for the holidays, Jasmin wanted a taste of homey, old-fashioned Christmas, so she baked a batch of her favorite Christmas Soft Sugar Cookies. 

Happy Cook of My Kitchen Treasures from Belgium

Happy Cook isn't so happy since her oven has gone belly-up on her. Fortunately for us, she was able to eke out this batch of tasty Coconut, Oats, and Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Susan of Food Blogga from San Diego, CA

I'm not vegan, but that didn't stop me from gobbling up these citrus-spiked Vegan Chewy Date, Orange, and Oatmeal Cookies.

The Food Hunter

The Food Hunter is having an affair, a deep-rooted, emotionally entangling affair with Nutella. On days when they can't rendezvous, The Food Hunter makes Chocolate and Hazelnut Cookies with crushed hazelnuts instead.

Kalyn of Kalyn's Kitchen from Salt Lake City, Utah

If you've got someone with food allergies on your Christmas list, then you've just got to make them Kalyn's rich and chocolatey Flourless, Low-Sugar, and Gluten-Free Chocolate Shortbread Cookies.

Anali of Anali's First Amendment from Quincy, Massachusetts

Gourmet Christmas cookies are easy to make when you follow Anali's recipe for Nutella, White Chocolate Chip, and Cranberry Cookies.

Kate of Kate in the Kitchen from Minnesota

For Kate, baking Christmas cookies is about eliciting warm family memories of time spent with her mom. Take a walk down memory lane with Kate and choose from two lovely cookies: Earl Grey and Vanilla Spice.

Jessica of Little Indiana from Indiana

For a substantial cookie with lots of sweet frosting filling, look no further than Jessica's Caramel Cream Sandwiches.

Chris of Mele Cotte from Atlanta

Don't you love when a cookie that looks complicated to make turns out to be delightfully easy? That's the case with Chris's lovely Hamentashen -- apricot-filled buttery cookies.

Sunita of Sunita's World from Ipswich, UK

The secret ingredient in Sunita's snow-covered Spiced Oats Cookies inspired by pfeffernusse is black pepper. It adds just the needed heat to balance the chocolate's sweetness perfectly.

DK of Chef in You From USA

You've had Snickerdoodles, but DK says these are "the best Snickerdoodles EVER."

Rocquie of Sage Trifle from Western North Carolina, just outside Asheville

Looking to add some spice to your traditional Christmas shortbread this year? Then try Rocquie's redolent Rosemary Shortbread, laced with fresh garden-grown rosemary.

Andrea of Andrea's Recipes from Virginia

Andrea and her husband are creating beautiful Christmas memories for their three sons with wholesome activities like building a Gingerbread Christmas Tree out of gingerbread cookies.

Simona of Briciole from Northern California

With both homemade butter and buttermilk beckoning her, Simona was inspired to create these Winter Solstice Tea Cookies-- light buttermilk cookies laced with rich almond extract and sunny orange zest.

The Sugar Fairy of The Enchanted Kitchen from Brisbane, Australia

Paula's Stained Glass Candle Cookie is such a lovingly craft piece of baked art, you may feel too guilty to eat it. (But don't.)

 Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Canada

Sarah says these these tender, sweet-tart Lime in the Coconut (Flour) Cookies are the ideal Christmas gift for anyone on your list with a food allergy.

Bellini Valli of More Than Burnt Toast from British Columbia, Cananda

Bellini Valli promises that her beautiful Mini Pecan Cranberry Philo Tarts are actually "easy peasy" to make. So you should add these to your Christmas baking list.

Sadhana of A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine

If you've got someone who is gluten-free on your Christmas gift list, then make them a batch of Sadhana's healthy and colorful Gluten Free Eggless Oats & Almond Candied Fruit Cookies.

Ivy of Kopiaste from Athens, Greece

Ivy shares a classic Cretan confection called Limocello Kaltsounia or Lychnarakia. Tender pastry shells are filled with a limoncello spiked sweet cheese filling then baked to golden perfection.

Happy Cook of My Kitchen Treasures from Belgium

Add some beauty to your Christmas cookie tray with Happy Cook's lovely rose-shaped Acchappam.

Susan of Food Blogga from San Diego, CA

For an exotic Christmas cookie, try remarkably sweet and fragrant Indian Saffron-Cardamom Macaroons.

Jerri of Simply Sweet Home from Alabama

Jerri promises that her deliciously sweet and chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies won't last long, so you may need to make a second batch.

Wendi of Bon Appetit Hon from Baltimore, Maryland

If you've heard of Baltimore, MD, then you've likely heard of their iconic Berger cookies. Wendi actually made Homemade Berger Cookies, so now you can enjoy a taste of Maryland right in your own kitchen.  

Maria of Two Peas and Their Pod from Salt Lake City, Utah

When you make a batch of Maria's Soft Gingersnap Cookies, your home will be perfumed with the sweet and spicy scent of Christmas. 

Lori of Fake food Free From Central Kentucky

Lori's My Pecan Shortbread is everything shortbread should be: tender and crumbly and studded with pecans.

Alanna of Kitchen Parade from St. Louis, Missouri

In this season of indulgence, Alanna is keeping things simple and sincere. She bakes cookies like her Chocolate Ginger Crinkle Cookies with love and shares them with friends and family.

Kathy of Cooking On The Side from San Diego, CA

Kathy's Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies are irresistibly big, bumpy, chewy, and sweet and make an ideal Christmas gift for everyone on your list.

Akane of Albahaca y Canela from Murcia, Spain

I'm not sure what's better about Akane's Christmas Spitzbuben -- their cheerful appearance or their sweet jam filling. 

Sarah of What Smells So Good? from Oshawa, Canada

Sarah's Monster Mash Cookies made with Smarties, chocolate bars, and potato chips will make kids (and adults) squeal with delight.  

Kelly of No Empty Chairs from Pittsburgh, PA 

Who could possibly resist a cookie named Cherry Nut Mudslides? 

Kelly of No Empty Chairs from Pittsburgh, PA  

Kelly's Mint Oreo Cookies are as easy to make as they are fun to eat.  

Kelly of No Empty Chairs from Pittsburgh, PA 

Kelly's children -- her little gingerbread helpers -- add the sweetness to her Peppar KaKar (Swedish gingerbread).

Goody of Eat The Blog from Nebraska

Christmas just isn't Christmas without gingerbread men. With Goody's Easier to Roll Gingerbread, you'll have a whole gang of these little guys in your kitchen in no time.

Karen of Karen Cooks from Havre, Montana

Karen shares a recipe for impossibly cheerful Orange Cranberry Slices and even tells you how to make your own vanilla extract!

Carol from Westminster, MD

Carol shares one of her all-time favorite Christmas Cookies -- the delightfully named Chocolate Oh My! Cookies from Domino Sugar. Carol says, "These cookies are exceptional for the first couple of days. After that, the chocolate flavors blend together, and they become chocolate Ho Hum cookies. I have found that I can freeze the baked cookies, or even better, freeze lumps of dough so that I can bake a fresh batch as I need them. I also make my cookies smaller, to increase the yield. I hope that you and your readers will enjoy these cookies as much as I have!

Susan of Food Blogga from San Diego, CA

Forget Zhu Zhu pets, Maple Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies are the hottest Christmas gift this year. Salty, slightly smoky bacon intensifies the cookie's rich chocolate flavor, transforming an otherwise ordinary chocolate chip cookie into something extraordinary.

Manju of Three Tastes from Metro, DC area

Manju's holiday baking started early this year with a request from her Gram for Nut Horns. These sugar dusted treats made Gram feel better and will no doubt put a spring in your step as well.

Leslie of Leslie's Cookery from South Carolina

Leslie takes plain 'ol saltine crackers and with some brown sugar, butter, and chocolate transforms them into addictive Chocolate Toffee Crunch.

Dani from Phoenix, Arizona is the first person to submit a cookie this year! 

Dani shares her and her daughter's favorite cookie recipe for Jen's Heavenly Confectioner's Sugar Cookies from Better Homes and Gardens. They're so "melt-in-your-mouth" good that she makes them for every holiday. Makes about 40 cookies, depending upon size.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 1/2 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional: lemon, lime or orange juice and/or zest to taste (about 1 tablespoon of each)

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese for 30 seconds with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add confectioner's sugar, baking powder, egg, vanilla, half the flour, and juice/zest if using. Beat  on low until incorporated. Beat one minute on medium. Add remaining flour, beating on low until well combined.
2. Divide dough into 2 balls. Wrap in wax paper and flatten into 3/4-inch-thick rounds. Refrigerate 1 hour, or until firm.
3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. On a floured surface or between two sheets of wax paper, roll dough to 1/2-inch thick. Do not roll thinner or dough will be difficult to remove from cookie cutters. Cut out cookies. You may have to refrigerate scraps before re-rolling. Add sprinkles, non-pareils, etc. before baking or they won't stick without icing. Bake on ungreased cookie sheets until the edges are set but not browned, about 8-9 minutes. Cool on a rack before icing.
4. Icing: 1 cup sifted confectioner's sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or lemon/lime/orange juice, and several drops of milk. Combine sugar and flavoring. Add milk and whisk until desired consistency is reached. Dip cookies in icing and place on a wire rack. Decorate with sprinkles.