I decided to host a Christmas Cookie Exchange again this year. Last years party was a hit. Plus I really can not think of anything better than spending time with some of my closest friends while eating a ton of cookies.

I provided a few hors’ devoures; a little salty to balance out all of the sweets. I kept the menu simple: veggies with a hummus dip, toasted baguettes topped with bruschetta and balsamic glaze, and turkey cranberry meatballs simmered in BBQ and cranberry jelly. All three were pretty delicious if I do say so myself. I also prepared a white wine sangria. This recipe consisted of Pinot Grigio, Brandy, honey, cranberries, oranges, and honey crisp apples.

 

Now on to the main event. Some how, without previously discussing what sort of cookies we all would be making, we ended up with seven different kinds of cookies!

I prepared the Pioneer Woman’s quick and simple peppermint fudge. I literally had this prepared and in the fridge to cool within ten minutes. Not to mention it was so creamy and delightful. The best part of this recipe is that it can be altered with any additional flavorings.

My sister Melissa whipped up one of Sally’s famous cookie recipes. I’ve mentioned this amazing baking blogger in the past. After Melissa met her, she’s been baking up loads of her recipes. These white chocolate, cranberry, and pistachio cookies had the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

The remainder of the cookies were each completely different from the other but also heavenly in their own little way. Dianna baked peppermint meringues that melted in your mouth. She also made a batch of these peppermint butter drop cookies that were equally delicious. Tara created wonderful turtle cookies while Deirdre concocted a batch of traditional chocolate chip with a spin. She added honey! Sabrina made orange cookies topped with an orange glaze. and my mom also brought some of Nanny’s famous oatmeal raisin cookies. You really can not go wrong there.

 

This was a wonderful way to kick off Christmas week. I will now have cookies to last me the rest of the year. And I am not complaining one bit about it!