“Thank You” Christmas Cookies

Last week I had several of the grand kids over and we made 4 batches of cookies to bring to two of our local sheriff’s departments and to several of our neighbors as well. This is something we try to do every year at Christmas. The holidays are a great time to say “thank you” to those who serve us in our community. A simple gesture of appreciation is a blessing to them and also teaches our children about thinking of others.

Here’s what we made this year:

• Our traditional sugar cookies (find the recipe, below, and in Homemade with Love) using our nativity cookie cutters.  (The kids had fun decorating them with colored sugars and sprinkles. This year Anne had the idea of using powdered sugar to roll them out on instead of flour. Great idea! It worked really well.)
• Three chip chocolate chip cookies
• Peanut Butter Blossom (from Homemade with Love)
• Oatmeal M &M Cookies

We bought Christmas platters at the dollar store and the girls arranged the cookies nicely on the platter. We discussed how the sheriff’s departments provide protection and service to the community. Each child wrote a note of appreciation on the cards. We also signed cards for our neighbors and then delivered them together.

Traditional Sugar Cookies Recipe

Twenty-two years ago, I purchased a set of Nativity scene cookie cutters. Every Christmas since then, I have baked these cookies with my kids, using those cutters. We always bring a batch to each of our neighbors’ houses with a Christmas gospel tract and a bow on top.

• 3/4 c. shortening (part butter or margarine), softened
• 1 c. sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla or 1/2 tsp. lemon extract
• 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder

Mix thoroughly shortening, sugar, eggs, and flavoring. Blend in flour, baking powder, and salt. Cover; chill at least 1 hour. Heat oven to 400°. Roll dough 1/8-inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered board. Cut into desired shapes. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 6 to 8 minutes, or until very light brown.

YIELD: about 4 dozen 3-inch cookies.

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Marilyn

Marilyn is wife to Rick, Mom to 14 children, Nana to 22 grandchildren (and counting!) and homeschooler for 37 years. She and her husband own Character Concepts which they started for the purpose of helping others raise children with a strong, godly character and Biblical worldview.They have developed character curriculumfrom preschool through high school, based on what they found worked whenteaching their own 14 children over the years. Her passion is to help young moms raise kids of character and enjoy the journey!

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