Cookie Challenge #6: Elegant Cookies

Today we have four beautiful cookies for you. Three are traditionally associated with Christmas. The other? Just a darn good cookie. We have some prizes to give away: JoAnne G wins a Confetti Sweets GC; Tara G wins an Italian Centre Shop GC and Sheila T wins a Darling GC. Congratulations! You have all been emailed. Tip of the week: Refrigerating dough guarantees a tender cookie. And, if you have a lot of cookies to make for a cookie swap, and it’s feeling a bit daunting, make all the doughs the night before. Then, preheat the oven and get rolling, cutting and filling. Make it a family affair or have a cookie bee; many hands lighten the load.

Beautifully decorated cookies, wrapped in snowy sugar or with fillings glistening like jewels—this says Christmas cookie. Recipes date back centuries, such as the Mexican wedding cookie (also known as the Swedish christmas cookie). Others come from the German/Austrian/Swiss Christmas baking canon. The jam-filled Linzer cookie is from Linz, Austria (yes, same as the torte). Zimsterne have been with us since the 16th century, associated with royalty due to the exotic (at the time) ingredients—cinnamon and almonds. Though the recipes may change slightly (and the names radically) these elegant Christmas cookies have been part of holiday baking traditions for many families for decades The lemon poppy seed cookie had no holiday tradition, but we hope it will become part of yours.

Lemon Poppyseed

This is a rich cookie with a distinct lemony tang coupled with a subtle crunch from the poppy seeds. Delicious and very easy to make—roll into balls and bake. A food processor makes quick work of the dough, but you could use a stand or hand mixer if you prefer. Adapted from a recipe by Rose Levy Berambaum.

Zimsterne (Cinnamon Stars)

The classic Swabian cookie—light as air, perfumed with cinnamon, smells like Christmas! The reserved egg mixture makes an icing on each cookie. The dough is quite sticky. If you are pressed for time, or don’t have a star cutter, drop by small spoonfuls on to the cookie sheet instead, then brush with the reserved egg mixture. They won’t look quite as elegant, but they will still taste great.

Michelle’s Raspberry Walnut Sandwiches

This is our friend Michelle’s version of the classic Linzer biscuit, also called the stained-glass cookie. These cookies are lovely with a glaze of bittersweet chocolate drizzled over (as pictured) or on the bottom of the cookie.

Besos de Ángel (Angel Kisses)

“The kisses come from Spanish convent-style pastry traditions, similar to polvorones. In Mexico they are made with pecans (native and abundant in northern Mexico) instead of almonds and in the Saltillo region they are often served at weddings and celebrations. Traditionally the cookies were made in pairs and pressed together—like giving a kiss. Today they are often made as single cookies dusted with powdered sugar.”- chef Abigail Lopez, @chefa_bby.

Hit the Share this Cookie button to invite your fellow cookie fanatics to the Cookie Challenge. Every friend you invite is an extra entry for prizes.

Confetti Sweets is a fun place to shop for stocking stuffers and sweet gifts. “People will come in and tell us we have the best stocking stuffers—there’s so many unique local gifts to shop,” says Kathy. “Not just cookies! We’ve got everything from classic homemade nuts and bolts, to candles and jewelry—our customers really enjoy getting to shop their favourite local brands here for Christmas. Heading into the busy Christmas season it’s always smart to pre-order your holiday gifts online—whether you’re choosing festive cookie tins, gable boxes, cookie decorating kits or squares. They make the cutest (and most delicious!) stocking stuffers or place-setting surprises.”