If you’re in the mood for a classic, melt-in-your-mouth treat, you cant go wrong with these soft sugar cookies! With their buttery texture and sweet flavor, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. One of the best parts about sugar cookies during the holidays is the decorating. Whether you use buttercream icing, royal icing, sprinkles, or edible glitter, the creative possibilities are endless. No matter the holiday, these cookies can be personalized for every occasion, allowing you to get creative and have fun with the designs. Facebook Pinterest Instagram This recipe is easy to follow and requires only simple ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of any skill level. Plus, the dough doesn’t need to chill, so you can have fresh cookies in no time! Ingredients You’ll Need 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup powdered sugar 2 large eggs 2 tsp vanilla extract 1/4 tsp salt 2 tsp baking powder 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour How to Make Soft Sugar Cookies Cream the butter and sugars: begin by beating the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key to creating the soft texture. Add the eggs and vanilla: Once the butter mixture is fluffy, mix in the eggs, along with the vanilla extract. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until the dough is combined. Being careful to not overmix, we don’t want tough cookies! Form the cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You can flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass if you prefer a more traditional cookie shape. Bake to perfection: Bake the cookies in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers should still look soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The Recipe:

Pecan Snowball Cookies are a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat made with finely ground pecans. These delicate, nutty cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a sweet, snowy finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, they’re easy to make and always a crowd favourite! Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting to loved ones, or just enjoying a sweet treat with your coffee, these pecan snowballs are sure to impress. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and require just a handful of simple ingredients. Let’s dive into why these cookies should be on your holiday baking list! Tips for Success: Ground Pecans : Be sure to use finely ground pecans. You can grind them yourself using a food processor or buy pre-ground pecans. The finer the grind, the smoother the texture. Baking Time : Watch the cookies carefully while baking. You want them to be lightly golden on the bottom but still pale on top. Overbaking can lead to a firmer texture, which isn’t ideal for snowballs. Double the Coating : For a truly snowy effect, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once when they’re warm and once after they’ve completely cooled. Storing : Store your pecan snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just layer them with wax paper to prevent sticking. The Recipe:

These Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are the perfect holiday treat! Soft, spiced gingerbread oatmeal cookies are sandwiched together with a sweet, creamy vanilla icing for an irresistible dessert. Ideal for sharing or gifting, these cookies bring all the cozy flavors of the season in one delicious bite. The Perfect Holiday Treat: Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies There’s nothing quite like a warm, spiced treat during the holidays, and these Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies deliver just that. Combining the comforting flavors of gingerbread with the chewy texture of oatmeal, and sadnwiched together with a creamy vanilla icing, these cookies are everything you need for cozy nights, holiday gatherings, or gifting to friends and family. Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies: Don’t Overbake the Cookies : To ensure your cookies are soft and chewy, make sure to check them around the 12-minute mark. You want the edges to be slightly golden but still soft in the middle. Overbaking them will lead to crunchy cookies, which doesn’t give the perfect contrast with the creamy filling. Let the Cookies Cool Completely : It’s important to let the cookies cool completely before sandwiching them with the icing. If they’re too warm, the icing may melt, and you’ll lose that nice, creamy filling. Make Ahead and Freeze : These gingerbread oatmeal cookies freeze beautifully. You can freeze the baked cookies (without icing) for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply defrost the cookies and add the icing. They’re perfect for making ahead of time during the busy holiday season. How to Customize Your Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies: There’s always room to personalize it. Here are a few ideas to make the recipe your own: Add Chocolate : Chocolate and gingerbread are a match made in heaven! Try adding chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolatey surprise with every bite. Mix in Nuts : Add a bit of crunch with chopped walnuts or pecans in the dough. This adds texture and an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft, spiced cookies. Spice It Up : If you love bold flavors, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon , ginger , or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cream filling. Decorate for the Holidays : For extra festivity, you can roll the edges of the cream pies in colorful sprinkles, shredded coconut, or even chopped candy canes to make them look extra special for holiday parties or gifts. The Recipe:

Cranberry Orange Shortbread cookies are a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a perfect balance of tart dried cranberries and fresh, citrusy orange zest. The dough is simple to make, and the cookies bake to a delicate, crisp texture. Finished with a sweet drizzle of white chocolate, these festive shortbread cookies are perfect for holiday gifting, gatherings, or cozying up with a warm beverage. Shortbread is known for its rich, buttery texture, and these cookies are no exception. With just the right balance of crispiness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, they’re the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Ingredients You’ll Need: Cold butter : Essential for achieving that perfect crumbly texture. Sugar : Adds sweetness while keeping the dough tender. Flour : The foundation for shortbread, giving it a delicate yet firm texture. Orange zest & juice : For that fresh citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the cranberries. Dried cranberries : Tart and chewy, these provide a pop of flavor in every bite. White chocolate : For drizzling on top to add a creamy sweetness. Step-by-Step Instructions: Mix Dry Ingredients : Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, salt, and orange zest. Cut in the Butter : Add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This is what gives shortbread its crumbly texture. Add the Liquid Ingredients : Stir in the vanilla and orange juice to bring the dough together. The citrusy juice adds a subtle, fresh flavor. Fold in Cranberries : Gently fold in the dried cranberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Chill the Dough : Shape the dough into a log, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. Slice and Bake : Once chilled, slice the dough into rounds, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Drizzle with White Chocolate : Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle melted white chocolate over them for a sweet finishing touch. Allow the chocolate to set before serving. Feel free to add your own twist! You can incorporate chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds, or even substitute the orange zest for lemon or lime zest for a different citrusy flavor. Why I love this recipe: Perfect Holiday Flavors : The combination of dried cranberries and orange zest gives these shortbread cookies a festive and seasonal flavor that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy afternoons. Easy to Make : This shortbread recipe is straightforward and requires only a few ingredients. The dough comes together quickly, and the cookies bake in just 20 minutes, making it an easy addition to your holiday baking lineup. Buttery and Crisp : Shortbread is known for its rich, buttery texture, and these cookies are no exception. With just the right balance of crispiness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, they’re the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Customizable : Feel free to add your own twist! You can incorporate chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds, or even substitute the orange zest for lemon or lime zest for a different citrusy flavor. Great for Gifting : These cookies are ideal for gifting! They look beautiful when drizzled with white chocolate and make a thoughtful, homemade gift that’s sure to impress friends and family. Simply package them in a cute tin or box for a charming gift. The Recipe:

These White Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti are a delicious holiday treat, combining crunchy biscotti with sweet white chocolate and a refreshing hint of peppermint. Perfect for dipping into your favorite hot beverages! The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in something sweet, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of White Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti. These delicious, crunchy treats combine the rich sweetness of white chocolate with the zing of peppermint, making them a festive favorite for any holiday table. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or a cozy snack to pair with your favorite hot beverage, these biscotti are sure to delight! Despite their sophisticated taste, biscotti are surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, you can whip up a batch that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery. Ingredients: 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened) 3/4 cup sugar 3 eggs 1.5 tsp peppermint extract 1 tsp vanilla extract 3 cups flour 1 tsp baking powder A pinch of salt 1 cup white chocolate chips Instructions: Preheat Oven & Prepare Sheets : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Mix Wet Ingredients : Cream the butter and sugar, then add eggs, peppermint extract, and vanilla. Add Dry Ingredients : Combine flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix into the wet ingredients. Stir in the white chocolate chips. Shape Dough : Divide the dough into two logs, each about 12 inches long. Place them on the baking sheets. First Bake : Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes. Slice & Second Bake : Slice the logs into biscotti and bake again for 10-15 minutes until crisp. Cool & Serve : Let cool completely and enjoy with coffee or hot chocolate. How to Serve: Biscotti are traditionally served with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The crunchy texture makes them perfect for dipping into these warm beverages, adding a touch of sweetness with every dunk. For extra holiday flair, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled biscotti and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive finish. The Recipe:

These Chocolate Sugar Cookies are a delicious twist on a classic favorite! Made with cocoa powder and a hint of espresso, these cookies offer a rich, chocolatey flavor with a soft, chewy texture. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, they’re ideal for decorating or enjoying as-is. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special event, or just because, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Pinterest Facebook Instagram Tips for Perfect Chocolate Sugar Cookies Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter is key to achieving the perfect texture in your cookies. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly with the sugar, leading to a denser cookie. Let the butter sit out for about 30 minutes before using it. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the cookies hold their shape while baking, prevents them from spreading too much, and makes the dough easier to handle. Customize Your Cookies: Feel free to get creative with decorations! You can drizzle your cookies with melted chocolate, top them with colorful sprinkles, or even add a glaze. These cookies are perfect for special occasions, so let your imagination run wild. Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months and bake them whenever the craving strikes. Decorating Tips: While these cookies are delicious on their own, you can also decorate them to make them extra special. Here are some ideas: Frosting: A simple buttercream or royal icing would complement the rich chocolate flavor beautifully. Sprinkles: Use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to give your cookies a festive touch. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. The Recipe:

Rendering beef fat is the process of melting and separating the fat from the connective tissues and impurities to obtain a clear and liquid form of fat. This process results in beef tallow, a versatile cooking fat with a high smoke point and a rich, savory flavor. Pinterest Instagram Facebook This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclaimer . Beef Tallow Rendering in the Crock Pot: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Wet Method Rendering beef fat at home not only provides you with a valuable cooking ingredient but also reduces waste by utilizing parts of the animal that might otherwise be discarded. Sustainability and Ethical Considerations: Source of Fat: The quality of beef tallow depends on the source of the fat. Tallow from grass-fed or pasture-raised animals is generally considered more desirable due to its better fatty acid profile. Reduction of Waste: Utilizing beef tallow from parts of the animal that might otherwise be discarded contributes to a more sustainable approach to meat consumption by minimizing waste. Composition: Beef tallow is primarily composed of saturated fats, which give it a solid form at room temperature. It contains a mix of fatty acids, including oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. Solid at Room Temperature: Unlike oils that remain liquid, tallow solidifies at room temperature. This characteristic makes it an ideal fat for certain cooking and baking applications. High Smoke Point: Beef tallow has a high smoke point, typically around 400°F (204°C) or higher, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking methods such as frying and deep-frying. Long Shelf Life: Due to its high saturation, tallow has a relatively stable composition, giving it a long shelf life. When stored properly in a cool, dark place or refrigerated, it can last for an extended period without going rancid. Ingredients: Beef fat trimmings Water Salt Equipment: Croc k pot Sharp knife Food processor or grinder (optional) Cutting board Fine mesh strainer Cheesecloth Glass jars or containers for storage Steps: Preparation: Begin with high-quality beef fat trimmings, ensuring they are relatively clean and free from excess meat. Its okay if its not perfect. Cut the fat into small, uniform pieces to promote efficient rendering. Or run through meat grinder or food processor. Crock Pot Setup: Place the chopped beef fat into the crock pot, filling it about halfway. Add enough water to cover the fat, and salt. About 3 teaspoons salt per pound of fat. Low and Slow: Set the crock pot to its lowest setting, allowing the fat to melt gradually. Patience is key; the slow process ensures a higher-quality tallow. This could take 6,8 or up to 24 hours. Straining the Fat: Use a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth to catch any remaining particles. The fat will be HOT make sure to use a heat safe bowl. Cooling: Place bowl in the fridge and let it cool completely. The fat will harden on top, and the water will remain in the bottom of the bowl. Once fully cooled and hardened, remove the solid fat. Check to see if its clean on the bottom, if there is a lot of impurities, scrape it clean. Repeat and Refine: Cut your fat into chunks, place back into a clean crockpot. Render down again, with water and salt to help pull out more impurities. This will be quicker then the first rendering. Final strain: Strain fat again through cheese cloth in a fine mesh strainer. Let it cool in the fridge until fully cooled and hardened. Once cooled, pop it out and it should be pretty clean this time. If there is still a lot of impurities and the water is pretty dirty, complete the process again. Go until you are left with a very clean and white tallow. Storage: Melt tallow down again, let cool slightly and then ladle into glass jars. Store in the refrigerator for a solid, long-lasting fat or in the freezer for extended shelf life. Utilizing Beef Tallow: Enjoy the rich, savory flavor of beef tallow in various culinary applications, from frying to roasting and even baking. Rendering beef tallow using the wet method in a crock pot is a simple yet rewarding process that unlocks the full potential of this traditional cooking fat. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create a high-quality beef tallow that adds depth and richness to your favorite dishes. Benefits of Wet Method Rendering: High-Quality End Product: The wet method, with its gradual melting and straining process, produces a cleaner and purer tallow, free from impurities or burned flavors. Nutrient Retention: Unlike dry rendering methods that involve higher temperatures, the wet method helps retain more of the nutritional value in the beef fat, such as fat-soluble vitamins. Reduced Risk of Overheating: The low and slow approach minimizes the risk of overheating, which can affect the quality and flavor of the tallow. Less Intensive Monitoring: The crock pot’s steady temperature allows for a more hands-off approach compared to stove-top methods, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules. Creative Uses for Beef Tallow: Perfect for Frying: Beef tallow’s high smoke point makes it an ideal choice for deep frying. Try frying crispy and golden French fries, chicken, or even donuts for a rich and savory flavor. Flaky Pie Crusts: Incorporate beef tallow into your pie crust recipe for a flakier and more flavorful pastry. The tallow adds a savory depth that complements both sweet and savory fillings. Roasting Vegetables: Coat vegetables in melted beef tallow before roasting to enhance their natural flavors and achieve a delicious caramelization. Sautéing and Stir-Frying: Use beef tallow instead of other cooking fats when sautéing or stir-frying. Its rich flavor will impart a unique taste to vegetables, meats, or grains. Baking: Experiment with using beef tallow in baking, particularly in recipes that call for butter or other fats. It can bring a distinctive richness to cookies, biscuits, and even certain bread recipes. Popcorn Topping: Melted beef tallow can be drizzled over freshly popped popcorn, providing a savory twist to this classic snack. Pinterest Instagram Facebook

There’s something truly magical about homemade marshmallows. Whether they’re floating in your hot chocolate, toasted over a campfire, or enjoyed as a sweet treat on their own, they offer a special touch that store-bought versions simply can’t match. An indulgent treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclaimer Pinterest Instagram Facebook Why Honey Sweetened Marshmallows? Traditional marshmallows are usually made with corn syrup and sugar, but using honey adds a twist. It makes the marshmallows slightly chewier and more flavorful. Plus, honey is a natural alternative to processed sugars, which is always a win. Ingredients You’ll Need 1-1/4 cups water, divided 1-1/2 cups honey 4 tablespoons gelatin powder 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup cornstarch or tapioca starch Tools Required 9×13-inch baking dish Parchment paper Stand mixer Candy thermometer Spatula Knife