Welcome to the Virtual Cookie Exchange!
This fun event is hosted by Carol at Just Let Me Quilt and is a place where you can sample everyone's favorite Christmas cookies and not consume a single calorie! lol...
Once upon a time... I used to make lots and lots of Christmas Cookies.
Among the favorites were Magic Cookie Bars. You know those graham cracker crusted bars with sweetened condensed milk, coconut, nuts and chips (or holiday chocolate candies) sprinkled on top. Mmmm.... I do miss them. I recently came across a paleo adapted version that I may give a go...
I have never mastered the skill of rolling sugar cookie dough (or pie dough, for that matter).
For this reason, I have always preferred bar cookies or drop cookies. It just saves me the frustration and temper tantrum. 😳
But Sugar cookies were one of my Dad's favorites. He enjoyed eating them, but the real draw to them was decorating them... he especially loved decorating them with his grand-daughters. He was no Picasso with them, but he loved picking the color of frosting and the various toppings and sprinkles. He was a bit like a child in the mindset of the more, the better! I'm not sure my Mom enjoyed cleaning up after them...
And since I don't do rolled cookies... gingerbread included, I thought I would make a cute little table topper that is a little more up my alley and involved skills that I HAVE mastered!
He was super easy to make... My "recipe" called for 5-1/2" squares. To create the rounded sections of his head and hands I used 1-3/4" squares and the stitch and flip method. I decorated him with some ric-rac on his arms and legs and added some fused raw edge applique buttons, eyes and mouth (I remember using the small red cinnamon candies on cookies). The bow is a small piece of ribbon stitched in place.
I liked it so much that I thought the the gingerbread man needed a partner!
Aren't they cute??? They finish at 17 inches square...
As I pieced them I kept thinking of Karen over at Tu-Na Quilts and her recent love for mug rugs. I did some quick math... using 2-1/2" squares and 3/4" pieces to create the rounded-ness (is that a word?? It is now!) and I came up with this little guy! He finished at 6-1/2 inches and is decorated with some of the decorative stitches on my machine.
I will share details below about how to have a chance to win this gingerbread man mug rug for yourself... 😉
Since my dietary restrictions were implemented 1-1/2 years ago I have found few outstanding recipes for cookies. I have ONE that is a staple for us... The original recipe called it Gluten-free Shortbread. I didn't think that Dave would enjoy them as Shortbread - in his words, "Shortbread is a waste of time and ingredients". He tasted these before asking what they were and exclaimed "these are good - you can make these again!"
Now, maybe it was the fact that sweets had been basically non-existent in our house for several months because of the anti-inflammatory protocol I have been following for my thyroid condition, or maybe because I call them something other than "shortbread"... I won't question it! lol!
Butter Cookies
2 cups Almond Flour
6 tablespoons butter - softened
6 tablespoons powdered Sugar
(I use 1/3 cup coconut sugar - pulverized in the food processor until it is a super-fine texture)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix in food processor until all ingredients form a ball.
Shape into 30 small balls.
Use a spoon or finger to form a divot in the center of the cookie.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.
Place a small amount of mini chips or a large chocolate chunk in the divot. Return to the warm oven for 1-2 minutes... just until the chocolate is softened.
And a bonus...
They are reversible! Yep! I had these panels hanging out in my stash for a couple years now and finally found a use (other than a pillow)...
Time for the give away details... Leave a comment before December 3rd about your favorite cookie. Simple as that...
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my sneak peek on Sunday... You can catch me over at facebook or on bloglovin' too.
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit all of the other bloggers that are participating! You will NOT be disappointed in the recipes and ideas shared.
Merry Quilt-mas!
Melva
Linking with:
Main Crush Monday at Cooking Up Quilts
Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt
Moving It Forward Monday at Em's Scrap Bag
Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework
Friday Foto Fun at Powered By Quilting
Show and Tell Monday with Bambi
Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River
Color Inspiration at Cleave Chameleon Quilting
Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter
Midweek Makers at Quilt Fabrication
WIP Wednesday with Esther
Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts
Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation
And since I don't do rolled cookies... gingerbread included, I thought I would make a cute little table topper that is a little more up my alley and involved skills that I HAVE mastered!
He was super easy to make... My "recipe" called for 5-1/2" squares. To create the rounded sections of his head and hands I used 1-3/4" squares and the stitch and flip method. I decorated him with some ric-rac on his arms and legs and added some fused raw edge applique buttons, eyes and mouth (I remember using the small red cinnamon candies on cookies). The bow is a small piece of ribbon stitched in place.I liked it so much that I thought the the gingerbread man needed a partner!
Aren't they cute??? They finish at 17 inches square...
As I pieced them I kept thinking of Karen over at Tu-Na Quilts and her recent love for mug rugs. I did some quick math... using 2-1/2" squares and 3/4" pieces to create the rounded-ness (is that a word?? It is now!) and I came up with this little guy! He finished at 6-1/2 inches and is decorated with some of the decorative stitches on my machine.
I will share details below about how to have a chance to win this gingerbread man mug rug for yourself... 😉
Since my dietary restrictions were implemented 1-1/2 years ago I have found few outstanding recipes for cookies. I have ONE that is a staple for us... The original recipe called it Gluten-free Shortbread. I didn't think that Dave would enjoy them as Shortbread - in his words, "Shortbread is a waste of time and ingredients". He tasted these before asking what they were and exclaimed "these are good - you can make these again!"
Now, maybe it was the fact that sweets had been basically non-existent in our house for several months because of the anti-inflammatory protocol I have been following for my thyroid condition, or maybe because I call them something other than "shortbread"... I won't question it! lol!
Butter Cookies
2 cups Almond Flour
6 tablespoons butter - softened
6 tablespoons powdered Sugar
(I use 1/3 cup coconut sugar - pulverized in the food processor until it is a super-fine texture)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Mix in food processor until all ingredients form a ball.
Shape into 30 small balls.
Use a spoon or finger to form a divot in the center of the cookie.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.
Place a small amount of mini chips or a large chocolate chunk in the divot. Return to the warm oven for 1-2 minutes... just until the chocolate is softened.
Gently spread the chocolate. Let cool... enjoy!
I need to work on increasing my cookie selections...
I included some GF banana-chocolate chip muffins in the photo.
And a bonus...
They are reversible! Yep! I had these panels hanging out in my stash for a couple years now and finally found a use (other than a pillow)...
What is your favorite cookie - Christmas or otherwise?
Time for the give away details... Leave a comment before December 3rd about your favorite cookie. Simple as that...
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my sneak peek on Sunday... You can catch me over at facebook or on bloglovin' too.
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to visit all of the other bloggers that are participating! You will NOT be disappointed in the recipes and ideas shared.
Merry Quilt-mas!
Melva
November 27
November 28
November 29
Melva Loves Scraps - Home of the Quilters Through The Generations series
Linking with:
Main Crush Monday at Cooking Up Quilts
Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilt
Moving It Forward Monday at Em's Scrap Bag
Oh Scrap! at Quilting is More Fun Than Housework
Friday Foto Fun at Powered By Quilting
Show and Tell Monday with Bambi
Linky Tuesday at Freemotion by the River
Color Inspiration at Cleave Chameleon Quilting
Wednesday Wait Loss at The Inquiring Quilter
Midweek Makers at Quilt Fabrication
WIP Wednesday with Esther
Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts
Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation
They look exactly like those old fashioned thumbprint cookies that were always on the table at Christmas. We used to put red and green jelly in the hole in the middle...but a candy kiss would be delish also. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOMG -- that gingerbread pattern is the cutest thing I've seen this week! Thank you for sharing your Christmas cookie recipe.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteMmm! The cookie sounds delicious! My favorites are butter cookies and shortbreads with out the icing. They are simply the Best! btw, great use of those panels that seem to linger in our stash for ever! I need to do this. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThose cookies and muffins look fabulous! I especially like the inedibles--those gingerbread placemats and mug rugs--so cute! My favorite cookie is oatmeal chocolate chip with coconut and pecans added in--yum! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou'll see one of my favorite cookies in my post tomorrow, but as to any cookie recipe (not Christmas related), I love snickerdoodles. I don't make them often, because I can't leave them alone! I think I could make a better fabric gingerbread man than I can a gingerbread cookie, so your quilt is a cute idea!
ReplyDeleteI guess my favorite cookie is Peanut Butter Blossoms. Your Gingerbread folks are lovely! Thank you!
ReplyDeletePeanut blossoms are one of my husbands favs. :)
DeleteYour little gingerbread people and your photo have inspired me to make gingerbread cookies with my grandchildren this afternoon as it is Grandma Love day! I love, love, love good Scottish shortbread! I will definitely try your butter cookie recipe as I have two gluten free friends that I am always looking for something new to try on them. Thanks. Jan janice.snell@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI like good old fashioned sugar cookies. Your gingerbread people are great!!
ReplyDeleteWhen my kids were small I used to make a Thumb Print cookie and put red & green frosting in the middle. I like Scandinavian Rosettes which are a delicate cookie deep fried with a decorative iron. The Gingerbread table topper and mug rug are adorable. rozz01atcoxdotnet
ReplyDeletepeanut butter blossoms
ReplyDeleteOne of my husband's favorites!
DeleteSuch a fun post to read. Your version of the gingerbread man is inspiring and makes me want to go sew! We all seem to face dietary challenges and it's so nice to share recipes so we can enjoy the sweets of the season. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOh, and my favorite cookie is a pecan snow ball cookie.
Oh, Melva, those gingerbread table toppers and mug rug are so cute (and calorie free!) Since I love chocolate anything, those cookies will be added to my to-do list for sure...yum! As for my favorite cookie, it would have to be a macaroon. Thanks for sharing your Christmas goodies with us and hopping along! xo
ReplyDeleteI also love making gingerbread houses and eating gingerbread men cookies! But my favorite cookies to make and eat are rolled sugar cookies. The secret to rolling them is a good pastry mat or floured surface and no pressure on the rolling pin. It's kind of like making gravy and pie crusts; one has to make a lot of them to get good at it. The table toppers and mug rug are so cute!!! Great post!! Thanks for mentioning me in your post.
ReplyDeleteYour gingerbread couple is adorable. What a great way to keep to the cookie theme. I have saved the cookie recipe as it sounds pretty good. My favourite cookie is something called custard cream cookies. A lot of work, and they look like yellow UFOs but they are so delicious. Thanks for your inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHi Melva! I thought of Karen as well, but for the rick rac!! These are so darn cute - you'll have to post a tutorial on how to make that gingerbread man mug rug. My favorite cookie to make and eat is probably the sugar cookies. Once they are decorated they are all so cute and delicious. I love watching the niece and nephews decorate them. Happy Happy Wednesday to you. ~smile~ Roseanne
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your recipe & for chance to win your adorable Gingerbread treasure!! :) My Husband's favorite cookie is Spice Drops ( like a gingersnap..), The kids & I like Snickerdoodles! :D
ReplyDeleteThese look really good and I suppose healthy too. Thank you. I LOVED your story about sugar cookies and your dad, kinda brought tears to my eyes. Merry Christmas
ReplyDeleteThank you Denise. I has been gone for 5+ years... I miss him.
DeleteCute gingerbread men!! I love the rolled-out sugar/butter cookies! My grandmother used to make them and gingerbread men every Christmas and send them to us...I always loved getting that box of cookies, made with love!!
ReplyDeleteWhat cute gingerbread men.....love your table setting and cookies.
ReplyDeleteYummmmm I love anything chocolate
ReplyDeleteVery cute Gingerbread men table toppers.
ReplyDeleteThere is hardly a cookie I don't like but my favorite is a chocolate macaroon.
ReplyDeleteYour gingerbread men blocks are so cute! Love the look of those cookies too! My favorite cookie is gingerbread!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! Thanks for the great recipe and I love the photo of your father decorating cookies. What a wonderful memory!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite cookie is chocolate chip cookies, but I love all kinds of cookies. Thank you for the recipe. That mug rug is so cute.
ReplyDeleteIt would have been a lot easier if you asked what cookie I dislike - Oreos - but favorite? Ooooh, that's a hard decision. I'm going to have to go with ... the one that is available right that minute and has no coconut on it. LOL I most often eat a cookie with oatmeal - any oatmeal cookie at all, even store bought. Thank you for that recipe. Those look like fun. But the best thing here is your gingerbread toppers and mug rug! I love your creativity. Thanks for sharing that and offering a chance to win the mug rug.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the great recipe. I’ll have to share with my SIL since my brother is a Celiac. I’m not so I get to eat all the goodies! My favourite cookie is shortbread, but I often change it up by adding grated lemon or orange peel, ground hazelnuts, pecans or almonds to make them a wee bit fancier. I have also dipped them halfway in chocolate and added crushed caramel and coarse salt for sprinkles. Thanks for being part of the hop and the sweet giveaway. Merry Christmas to your house.
ReplyDeleteCarol Andrews
QuiltSchmilt@gmail.com
Just love your gingerbread men placemats ! I love walnut butter cookies, will have to whip some up for Christmas !
ReplyDeleteWell now, it's a toss up what recipe I like best. The gingerbread table toppers are just adorable and might be on my list of things to do today! Thanks for the butter cookie recipe too. Have a very Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMelva, I LOVE your gingies!! They are adorable! And your recipe sounds great too. Sometimes you just have to NOT tell them to get them to try different things. My hubby was "tricked" that way as a child. He would not eat vegetables and they were at a church luncheon and he was told this particular food was fish. He tried it and really liked it - until he found out it was squash (sliced long ways and fried!!) He's never eaten it since! LOL They should never have told him! LOL Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour little gingerbread people are super cute. Your cookies look awesome, I bet they would be yummy with some fruit preserves like raspberry, blackberry, maybe even lemon curd or orange marmalade in them.
ReplyDeleteOur favorite cookies are snickerdoodles. I love the gingerbread mats. What a great idea to use the panels on the back.
ReplyDeleteWasn't able to visit yesterday but am now catching up. What a wonderfully sweet gingerbread man. Just so sweet. The cookies sound yummy and look that way, too. My DIL will appreciate the gluten free recipe. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYour cookies look wonderful but the gingerbread table toppers are the best.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! I've enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteGingerbread! The quilted sort and the real sort! I am in love/lust/jealousy over those wonderful table toppers. Thanks so much for sharing at the Chameleon's linky party.
ReplyDelete