Guest Post: Oven Door to Kitchen Door

Hello All.  Oven Door here.

We are about to embark on Christmas Cookie Season.  Yes, I know its October.  Yes, I know this seems early.  Yet, I’ve noticed that the aisles of local craft stores are slowly being enveloped by reds and greens, and the grocery stores and retailers are sure to follow.  Plus, any reason to start making boatloads of cookies is good enough for me.

I work at a Bakery, and there, wedding cake season has ended and cookie season has already begun.  We have whipped out all of the Christmas cookie recipes to make test batches. (The term “test batch” is truly a beautiful thing because what it really means is, “for eating and not selling.”) After some tests, snacks and thoughts, here is my conclusion about the perfect combination of cookie flavors for a festive Christmas cookie tin.

Include.
1. Something ginger – Snaps are good for this, or the more labor intensive gingerbread man
2. Something nutmeg – Perhaps try making a thumbprint cookie filled with eggnog and nutmeg flavorings.  There is something warm and cozy about lots of spices during the holidays.
3. Peppermint icing, or crushed peppermint candies add festive coloring and flavor to any cookie tin.
4. Chocolate. It should be celebrated throughout all seasons
5. Simplicity:  Although chocolate is grand, do not underestimate the beauty of shortbread or a simple butter cookie.
6. A childhood favorite.  Make your favorite kind of cookie because you can!  Not only does it add to the character of your cookie tin, but after all the work of making cookies for everyone else, you might need to eat a couple cookies yourself.