Each year, my family and friends look forward to the Christmas holidays because of the promise of "American Christmas Cookies" (as they've come to be known) being delivered to them to enjoy. Now, I tend to make a new kind of cookie every year, just to keep things interesting, but I have several "staples" that I always make.
These cookies, on my recipe card that is handwritten by my Mom, are simply known as "JB's Favorite Christmas Cookies". I have no idea what the rest of the world may officially call them, and to be honest, I don't want to know! There is something supremely comforting about knowing that this kind of cookie is my big brother's favourite (since he was four years old!). It is also the cookie of choice of my Mother-in-Law, for about a decade now.
The cookies are soft on the inside and firm on the outside. There is just a hint of cinnamon, but the cookies are not too sweet. The crackle given by the Confectioner's sugar gives the sensory impression of a light snow on a cookie. Don't take my word for it, try them yourself!
You may wish to make a double batch...just ensure that you have enough room in your mixing bowl! This cookie is a surefire way to please people on both sides of the ocean around the holidays.
JB's Favorite Cookies
(since he was 4 years old)
2 cups sifted all-purpose (plain) flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup shortening
1
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 cup milk
2 squares baking chocolate - unsweetened and melted
2/3 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Confectioner's sugar
Directions
Sift flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
Cream shortening with brown sugard until light and creamy. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
Add melted chocolate.
Add flour mixture alternately with the milk. Add nuts (JB doesn't.)
Chill until firm, about 2-3 hours.
Shape into one-inch balls, roll in Confectioner's sugar. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 350F (180C) for 20 minutes.
Yield: 5 dozen cookies
Note: This photo is of the "leftovers" of all of my "American Christmas Cookies" after just 20 minutes in my office at work. To begin with, there were a dozen of each kind!
Happy Baking!
x Jennifer
