Christmas. The word alone conjures up images in our minds. The twinkling lights, familiar carols, the aromas of cinnamon and cloves and Christmas cookies fresh from the oven.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved Christmas cookies. The cut-out, decorated variety, in particular. Unfortunately, my mom was not a big baker. My great-aunt Gladys, on the other hand, loved to bake, however she didn't have any children. Matter of fact, she never married. She was quite a character, actually. Very independent. And quite different from most women born in the late 1800s.
One day every December, Gladys would invite me and a couple of my cousins to join her in her very tiny kitchen to decorate Christmas cookies. For me, it was a dream come true. The cookies, the icing, the sprinkles! I looked forward to it all year long.
Then Aunt Gladys uttered those words that still haunt me today. "Mindy, you'll have to give Jeff half of your cookies."
The thought of parting with half of my beloved cookies had my bottom lip trembling. Tears welled behind my tortoise shell glasses. But no one dared argue with Aunt Gladys. She was a retired school teacher, which, in my little mind, was akin to a drill sergeant. So I gave Jeff half of my cookies and vowed that one day I would make my own Christmas cookies.
Years later, when I was a young bride, a dear family friend gave me a recipe for sugar cookies that I still make every December. I've shared it over at the Yankee-Belle Café and you can find it here. They're soft and delicious, just the way I like them. And whether I'm with my kids, grandkids, or by myself, decorating them is still a treat.
For today's gift, I'm giving one commenter a set of holiday cookie cutters and a copy of my February 2020 release, Her Rocky Mountain Hope (US only - International winner will receive ebook only). Simply leave a comment telling me about your favorite holiday treat.
And don't forget about the Kindle Fire drawing found at the end of each post during that Advent season. We'll choose a winner after 12/25/19 and announce it on New Year's Eve Day.
Three-time Carol Award nominee, Mindy Obenhaus, writes contemporary romance for Love Inspired Books. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren at her Texas ranch. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com
Oh, this story is one for the record books, isn't it? The mistakes of childhood that sear deeply, and teach us such valuable lessons. God bless Aunt Gladys... and the fact that this honed your cookie making! :) Because cookies should be amazing, right?
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this, Mindy! I'm running right over to Twitter to let them know about how cool you are. And that there are cookies involved!
And I love, love, love that cover... and the new look of all the Love Inspired covers. They are gorgeous!
Ruthy, your comment reminded me of an incident with my two oldest granddaughters a few years ago. The younger one caused the older girl's decorated cookies to topple. Naturally, some of them broke. And who wants cookies that have been on the floor anyway. Especially when they're frosted because anything and everything will stick to that frosting. Fortunately, Grammy had made LOTS of extra cookies, so Belle got to make more, while the energetic one only received a gentle warning about being careful. I was so grateful there was no need for tears.
DeleteYes, I love that cover, too. Not only do I love the new look, but my hero is an adventurer, so this cover is perfect.
Oh, Mindy! My heart hurts for little you. I have fond memories of making cream cheese bread treats with my grandmother. We would use cookie cutters on slices of white bread and then she would give us bowls of tinted cream cheese to spread on them. I don't think it was particularly a Christmas thing so much as a Grandma thing, but your cookie story reminded me of it.
ReplyDeleteMary Cate, I've never heard of cream cheese bread treats, but the way you describe them sounds wonderful. What a great, fun treat for kids. One without lots of sugar.
DeleteMy favorite kind of cookies! I have ZERO self-control when it comes to these cookies. I do not like to bake at all, but luckily I have a mother-extraordinaire that LOVES baking, so my children are not deprived and I'm not stressed (well, not stressed about baking anyway). ;)
ReplyDeleteBeth, I'm with you on the zero control. These are my absolute favorites. I can't believe your mom's baking gene skipped you. But I know you're happy to live close enough to indulge in her baking yen on a regular basis.
DeleteLove this story, Mindy. You have some wonderful memories of time spent with special relatives. I haven't made Christmas cut-out cookies in a long time. I enjoy doing it, but just don't have that much time. My special Christmas treat is fudge. I make the fudge for the family Christmas every year. I joke that I wouldn't be allowed in the door at Christmas without it. I have also learned I need to set it out a little at a time or it will all be gone in one day. Please put me in the drawing!
ReplyDeleteSandy, fudge was my mom's favorite, and the one thing she made every Christmas. So, of course, I make it every year, too. Hers was the Fantasy Fudge. The kind with the marshmallow cream. A few years back I noticed my batches weren't turning out as good. They weren't as creamy. I couldn't figure out why. Then one day, I was going through my mom's recipe file and found her original recipe she'd cut off of the back of the marshmallow cream jar. The difference was one ounce of evaporated milk. Somewhere along the way, the people who make evaporated milk dropped the small can amount from six ounces to five. And that was the difference. Yet they never changed the recipe on the back of the jar. Once I bought a large can and added the full six ounces, everything was as it should be. I was happy and my memories were still intact. Which type do you make, Sandy?
DeleteMindy, I also do the fantasy fudge. I guess I never noticed about the evaporated milk size. I'll have to pay attention to that this year. The mention of marshmallow cream reminds me of a fun memory. One day when I was making fudge, an older relative stopped by because I had told her I could use her help identifying some old family photos. My son was pretty young at the time. While I was visiting, my son was eating the marshmallow cream out of the jar! My relative thought it was hysterical and still talks about it. Needless to say, the fudge didn't turn out quite so well. My son likes the story, too.
DeleteSandy, I can't say that I blame your son. I usually have to fend mine off because they'd do the same thing.
DeleteI'll admit that while I like baking, cutout sugar cookies are something I'd rather eat than make! My kids never really got that experience, but we do love to make Spritz cookies and dip pretzels together. One of my favorite cookies at Christmas is Pfefferneuse, which is the only baking I ever remember my dad doing. Love the memories, Mindy!
ReplyDeleteCutout cookies are more time consuming, aren't they, Glynis? Though I am rather fond of those super-soft frosted sugar cookies they sell at the store, too. I have to force myself to stop eating them.
DeleteSpritz and dipped pretzels are always a part of my holiday baking, too. Not that the pretzels can be considered baking, but they're still fun. I love the sweet/salty combo. Pfefferneuse is something I've heard of and I think I might have had it a time or two, but have never made it. It's such a fun word to say, though, and sounds like it would be hard to make. Is it difficult?
Nope, they aren't hard at all. Chilled dough, roll them out and cut into pieces. A little time-consuming, but not hard. Here's my family's recipe if anyone wants it: http://glynisbecker.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Pfeffernuesse-Recipe.pdf
DeleteThat sounds easy enough, Glynis. Not sure how I feel about the anise seed, though mixed with the other spices it may not be so bad. Does it have a strong licorice flavor?
DeleteNope, not super strong. But they definitely give it something different than your average cookie. It's a must-have Christmas flavor for me :)
DeleteMindy, what a great memory. Cutout sugar cookies are my favorite holiday treat, preferably in the shape of stars or bells. I try to make at least one batch every year.
ReplyDeleteKB
Kathy, I've found that my favorite way to decorate them is at a table set up in front of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Especially if I'm doing it alone. Very relaxing. And oh-so-Christmasy. ;)
DeleteMindy, I SO loved reading your story! Your Aunt Gladys sounds like she was quite a woman. Sadly, I never grew up decorating Christmas cookies, so I have none of those traditions to draw on. And with boys . . . well, they can both bake, but they'd rather be doing other things. So, it's never been something I've done with them either. Sigh. But I love eating them! Thanks for sharing your recipe. I'm copying it down. Maybe it'll be something I can do with my someday-grandkids. ;)
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a joyous Christmas season!
Jeanne, that is my favorite recipe. That little bit of nutmeg makes them stand out from other recipes. Your grandkids will love you, whether you make cookies with them or not. ;)
DeleteOh, I love to bake during the holidays with my kids. We also have a day where we will break out the cookie cutters and decorate the cookies. My kids are teens and adults now, but it is a tradition that I'm thankful I can still do with the kids that live at home. Wonderful memories, just like I have of baking with my dad and grandma.
ReplyDeleteJoy, it's so fun to be able to pass along those things that were/are special to us. One Christmas I didn't have time to decorate cookies, so I gather the cookies, icing and sprinkles onto a tray and called it a cookie decorating station. They made them as they ate them. Though I think I might have eaten more than anyone. Shh...that's our little secret, Joy.
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ReplyDeleteThis inspired me to make baking a priority when my girls come home from college! There's nothing like the smells and tastes of Christmas! Thank you for your wonderful story and recipe! We will look forward to Colorado snow showers and Christmas frosting and sprinkles! Merry Christmas Mindy!
ReplyDeleteHave fun, Gianna! And what a joy to have those snow showers. That only enhances the mood. But since those are rare here in Texas, I'll have settle for just the frosting and sprinkles.
DeleteSuch a great story. Gladys was quite a character. How lovely to have her in your family. I'm sure she enjoyed that baking day as much as you did.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to learn that Christmas calories don't count!!!
Thanks for the sugar cookie recipe! Need to get a book finished before I can bake...and enjoy the fruits of my labor!
Merry Christmas!
Debby, Gladys was definitely a character. And she could do just about anything she set her mind to.
DeleteAnd I here you on the book. Praying you'll get it turned in ahead of schedule, leaving you time to revel in the season and all that goes with it.
My favorite holiday treat has been Russian Tea Cakes since I got the recipe from my mother-in-law about 10 years ago. My son and I just made sugar cookies and iced them yesterday, and he had a blast. ;) But I tried something new last week before Thanksgiving, something that has become one of my very favorite Christmas treats--mincemeat pies!!
ReplyDeleteOoo...I love Russian Tea Cakes, Lila. So good with a nice cup of tea. You'll have to fill me in on the mincemeat pies. My mom used to make on and the filling came from a jar, so it had no real meat in it as those of old did. Did you make your filling? What all was in it?
DeleteMy mom always made Russian tea cakes. Those are delicious!
DeleteMy favorite holiday treat is my mama’s white fruitcake, that I now make as she isn’t able to. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLucy, I've never heard of a white fruitcake. What's it like?
DeleteMindy, what a sweet story. I just love that your great-aunt did that with you and your cousins!
ReplyDeleteI guess my favorite holiday treat is... well, I don't think I can pick just one! Pumpkin bread is one of my favorites. And any homemade treats that friends share. I have vague memories of decorating cookies as a child, mostly just sprinkling on green or red sugar or sprinkles. :)
Missy, we are never too old for sprinkles. ;)
DeleteMy daughter and I make sugar cookies as well, but my favorite is sandies. Messy, but delicious! I don't know why I only make them at Christmas time.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I think we all do things around the holidays that we wouldn't normally do. Especially when it involves memories. We don't care how long it takes, we just know it brings us joy.
DeleteHi, Mindy! My mother-in-law started her "Cookie Day" long before I met my husband, and it's an annual tradition for my family where the family members roll out sugar cookies and then frost them. It's amazing how many family memories can come from families making cookies together. My kids love Cookie Day. Personally my favorite holiday treat is a cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream in front of the tree along with a good book.
ReplyDeleteTanya, I love the idea of "Cookie Day." What a fun event. Of course, hot chocolate with whipped cream in front of the tree with a good book is nothing to sneeze at either. ;)
DeleteIs there anything better at Christmas than a sugar cookie with royal icing? Your aunt sounds like quite a lady. :)
ReplyDeleteErica, royal icing is the one thing I cannot do. It's to...crunchy for me. Love the look, just not the texture. I've recently discovered a recipe that flows like royal icing, yet stays soft. I'm still perfecting my version, but it's a keeper for sure.
DeleteLoved your post, Mindy! My favorite holiday treats are Swiss cookies and Swiss bread made from our family recipes. I used to bake a lot but don't do much anymore. I tend to eat too much if I bake things I like!
ReplyDeleteWinnie, I'm not sure I've ever had either of your favorites. Though I have to say, just throwing the word "Swiss" in there makes them intriguing. I might have to do a search.
DeleteMindy your aunt Glady's was a wise woman but you didn't know that at the time. All you knew was you had to give up half of your cookies, lol!
ReplyDeleteGoodness, I haven't made sugar cookies in years, definitely writing down your recipe. Though I've never heard of putting sour cream in them. Sounds absolutely delicious!
My favorite holiday treat are the pre-made shortbread cookies you find in a tin at the store. Especially the powdered sugar coated ginger snaps!! Oh my, so much goodness in such a little cookie. I have to be careful how much I eat in one sitting because I could certainly gorge myself on them.
Trixi, Gladys was, indeed, wise. She was one of the strongest women I've ever known.
DeleteI do love a good shortbread. And I'm sure I've had the powder-coated gingersnaps at some point in my life, I just don't remember. I love those super thin gingersnaps. Nayakers, I think, is the brand. I'm not usually a fan of crisp cookies, but these I love. They're crisp, but they almost melt in your mouth. Yum.
I think my favorite thing to make and eat at Christmas is something our family calls Million Dollar Fudge--creamy marshmallowy chocolatey goodness. My girls and the grandkids like the sugar cookie cutouts, making, decorating and, of course, eating them. Occasionally over the last few years I will buy the premade ones to cook and decorate...just a bit less mess!
ReplyDeleteAnne, you're going to have me wanting some fudge. I can't wait to make it now!
DeleteMy favorite holiday treat is homemade peppermint bark, I make it with my sisters almost every year.
ReplyDeleteAngeline, I have a son who would be all over that peppermint bark.
DeleteAs a child my favorite was gumdrop nougat candy, My grandmother made it each year for Christmas, she also made jello sugar cookies, fudge and bought ribbon candy and they would all be on the trio server on the bar! you just ad jello to your cut out cookie recipe! I am wanting to make cut out cookies and gingerbread cookies!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet giveaway Mindy! Thank you for the chance to win the cookie cutters and your book! You are a new author for me!
Blessing
Linda Marie Finn
Linda, I've never heard of jello sugar cookies. I'll have to look that up. Ribbon candy, fudge and a trio server all evoke fond memories for me. Seeing the servers laden with all those treats was a feast for the eyes. Pure joy for a child.
DeleteIt was a memory I will never forget and I looked at some trio servers at Marshalls the other day, I am thinking to get us one of them before the holidays if I can afford it! So I can make memories with my own grandkids here!
ReplyDeleteMy Mom got together with her Sister Pat and made those jello cookies the other day, Mom is 75 and Pat is 70 now I think... it is too funny that they are now spending so much time together with eachother! https://community.today.com/foodclub/recipe/jell-o-cookies
Blessings to you
Linda Marie
I'll have to check those out, Linda. Thanks for the link.
DeleteOh, we made larger batch of cookies and they don't turn out as darkly colored but still great flavor to them , using one pkg of jello. Grandma made Lime and Raspberry most often but she would also make cherry!
ReplyDeleteLinda Marie
I love chocolate and peanut butter together, so those are my favorite types of treats -- buckeyes, fudge, etc.
ReplyDeleteDianna, Buckeyes are always on my holiday baking list, too.
DeleteI just found your Blog Seekerville very nice.
ReplyDeleteI follow and read Mary Connealy and Ruth Hearn I see I have a few others to get to know and enjoy.
I like to read Historical, Clean Cowboy Romance.
About Me: Retired I have one Son and one Granddaughter I'm the Caregiver of my Mom who turns 98 yo. Next month. I was determined she would not go into elderly care. I worked in the Textbbook Dept. Of a large district here in Texas... I oredered all the Workbooks for 233 schools K-12 grades. Merry Christmas Safe and Happy Holidays. Everyone.
So glad you found Seekerville, Peggy. And Merry Christmas to you, too. :D
DeleteI really love the sugar cookies because we make them and decorate them together, as a family.
ReplyDeleteAudrey, those things that bring us all together are what Christmas is all about. Merry Christmas!
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