#6: The Christmas Cookie Recipe

And some decorations you won't want to miss.

If you wanted a healthy twist on a Christmas Cookie that is more like a shortbread and will leave everyone feeling ultra festive and wondering how you did it, you'll want to have a read of this one.

---

This time of year has been very festive for me, despite starting a new full time role, running a house, being a present mother, friend and still keeping all the wheels turning with the help of my husband the entire way (I am very lucky). I really leaned into Christmas with all the decorations, joyous food and gift giving. The feeling of giving back to our community was essential for me, it was a big year and we wouldn’t have been able to do it all without the help of so many. The video of my eldest son helping me bake the Christmas cookies further down is a really beautiful summary of the merry chaos that has been circling our home the past month. Despite all the things I’d like to say here today, I am going to keep things short and sweet as we edge ever closer to the end of 2024.

And instead of sharing my thoughts, I am going to divulge some cheery forever pieces which I collected during my Christmas haze along with a Christmas recipe, I think you’ll really love.

1. Wreath by Rose Van-Eyk - she creates lush Bow Tree Toppers

2. Christmas garland with bows I made myself all from Temu

3. Bows on my door handles from Temu

4. Christmas cars and Snowman ornaments - Royal Design

5. Christmas tree ornament from Well Versed home - they have such thoughtful Christmas keepsakes and a stunning gold mistletoe that sold out before I could purchase one

6. Gnomes in my sons room from Ikea

7. Gift bags and wrapping from Ikea and Temu

8. Stockings from Sacred Bundle

9. Paper Christmas garlands in my sons room from The Party Cupboard (they have the best kids party decorations)

Christmas Cookies

Ingredients

250g butter cut into cubes

2 1/2 cups Gluten free flour, sifted

3/4 cup coconut sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla essence

1 egg

Any sugar for sprinkling on top

Makes 30-35 cookies

Set up the space

Get a large bowl, flour sifter, measuring cups and spoons. Glad wrap out and ready to wrap the dough. Large baking tray lined with baking paper.

To make the cookies:

Preheat oven to 180°C. Place the butter and sugar in an electric mixer and beat until pale and creamy. Add the vanilla, egg and beat well to combine. Add the flour and beat until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough into 4 portions and wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or until the dough is firm.

Roll out each portion of dough between 2 sheets of non-stick baking paper until 3mm thick. If you find the dough to be too wet, add a little more flour as required.

Remove the baking paper and use a 7cm Christmas-shaped cookie cutter to cut out rounds from each sheet. Place the cookies on baking trays lined with baking paper, sprinkle with sugar of choice and bake for 8 minutes or until the cookies are light golden. Cool on wire racks.

Things to note

• If you don’t have coconut sugar you can use any other white sugar of your choice

• Putting the dough in the fridge is an essential step that cannot be missed

• Remember it’s Christmas and anything goes

Happiest of cooking and Merry Christmas x