Cookie Exchange or Gift Ideas

I totally want to do a cookie exchange. It seems everyone is so busy, there's not enough time. Somehow, someday I am going to do it. In the meantime enjoy some of my favorite ideas, with a bit of help from Betty Crocker.


Russian Tea Cookies click for recipe

Pecan Shortbread click for recipe

Peppermint Shortbread Bites click for recipe. If you live by me you may be getting this...I have to have an excuse to make them, and don't want to eat them all. Lucky You!

Poinsettia Blossoms- these are so cute and colorful.

Thumbprint Cookies- these remind me of my Mom. She used Hershey Kisses instead of jelly.


Biscotti (this is a family favorite and my version of Betty's biscotti)

White Chocolate Biscotti

 1 pouch            Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie mix

1/3 c.               margarine or butter, softened

1                                egg

¼ c.                 flour

½ c.                 macadamia nuts

1 c.                  white chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients together until stiff dough forms. Roll out dough into 2 rectangles. The rectangle should be about 8 X 2 ½ inches. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet. Cool 15 minutes.

Cut each rectangle crosswise into ¾ inch slices. Place cut sides down on cookie sheet and bake 5-6 minutes, then turn and bake second cut side an additional 5-6 minutes. Cool on racks.

Melt an additional ½ c. of chocolate in the microwave on High for 30-60 seconds. Drizzle over cooled cookie. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

For variety you could omit the white chocolate and macadamia nuts and do semi sweet or dark chocolate with pecans or hazelnuts. You could also add chopped cherry flavored craisins. 

Now that you're all starving, pick one of these and let me know what you think. Many things like sugar cookies or chocolate chip cookies, you can make now and freeze for later. Happy Holiday Baking!