Christmas Cookies
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is baking Christmas cookies to share with friends and family. Each year, my kitchen transforms into a festive workshop where the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the entire house. The mixing, rolling, and decorating – using old family recipes, usually from the Mennonite Community Cookbook, and always trying something new. It’s a labor of love that transcends the act of baking itself, turning into a heartfelt gift for those dear to me.
Two of my all-time favorite recipes that never fail to bring festive cheer are the classic peanut butter cookie and sand tarts. Sand tarts are a very old recipe and were often called Saint Hearts.
May these cookies become a source of joy and tradition for you and your loved ones as they have for me and mine.
Sand Tarts (Saint Hearts)
1 cup butter
2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
3 1/2 to 4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs and flavoring and beat until fluffy.
Sift flour.
Measure and add salt and baking powder.
Sift again.
Add sifted ingredients to the butter mixture.
Stir until a medium-soft dough is formed.
Chill for several hours in the refrigerator.
Roll very thin and cut in fancy shapes.
Brush tops with rich milk and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon (or other edible decorations).
Place 1 inch apart on a greased cooking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
Makes 4-5 dozen cookies.
Peanut Butter Cookies
1 cup butter
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
Cream butter and peanut butter together.
Add sugar and continue to beat.
Add eggs and vanilla and beat until fluffy.
Sift flour.
Measure and add salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
Sift again.
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix thoroughly.
Chill dough in the refrigerator for several hours.
Shape dough into balls 1 inch in diamter.
Place balls 2 to 3 inches apart on greased cooking sheet.
Press flat with a fork.
Bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.
Makes about 7 dozen cookies.
Love this site. Miss you, my friend. Your Christmas jars are beautiful. Looking forward to more things on your blog & shopping place. Take care.