December is really the time to break out the cookies – between cookie exchanges, neighborhood gifts, and tables loaded down with favorites lining every hallway in offices around the country, now is the time to make an effort to bring a tasty cookie.
Fortunately, I have three books that I turn too when I am in need of a good cookie. I would recommend any of these for your special baker this holiday season:
One Dough – Fifty Cookies, by Leslie Glover Pendleton
I am sure I have commented about this book before, I love it so. The concept is simple – make one Master Dough, then flavor it with different items to make 50 excellent tasting cookies. For best results, use a stand mixer to make the Master Dough, and use it right away to make your cookies. I had a bad experience making the dough ahead – when I was ready to mix-in my different flavors, it was rock solid from being in the fridge. Learn from my mistakes.
Favorites from this book: Mocha Butter Balls, Shattered Chocolate Balls, Russian Tea Cakes, Chocolate Toffee Cookies, Walnut Maple Syrup Cookies
Over the last year, and especially when baking cookies with my daughter, I often turn to this cookbook from the Martha Stewart Cooking Empire. Yes, she might be overbearing and a little too confident with household chores, but the woman does know her cookies. Recipes are fairly straight forward, and there are enough pictures to make a cookie chef drool. Important note – some recipes make very small batches, like 2 dozen. Make sure you double check before starting, so you are not surprised. Some cookies, IMHO, need to be made in ginormous batches. Chocolate chip, for example.
Favorites from this book: Ne Plus Ultra Cookies, Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies, Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies, Chocolate Thumbprints, Cream-Filled Chocolate Sandwiches
Baking From My Home to Yours, by Dorie Greenspan
This book has much more than cookies, but cookies are such a strong suit for Greenspan that I find myself turning to this book often for inspiration. In addition to many sweet treats, she also includes a few savory cookie varieties, perfect with a glass of wine. Some pictures, lots of variations, all-in-all a good book. Only downside is that it is still only available in hardback, a bit more of an investment. Good gift option, though.
Favorites from this book: World Peace Cookies, Parmesan Sables, Midnight Crackles
Any of these books would be helpful in the kitchen this holiday season!
Photos courtesy of Amazon.
Belated Blogaversary: VPower Slicer (giveaway)
Family Dinner Plan: Thyme
Family Dinner Plan: Cherry Tomatoes
