My family loves cookies, and I love baking. I may have missed my calling. In an alternate timeline, I run a popular bakery and confection shop with daily lines that stretch out the door and around the block. Top on my holiday list are Springerle, Pfeffernüsse, Linzer Tarts, and Lebkuchen made with homemade candied citrus peel. There are the perennial favorites, and overall crowd-pleasers like chewy Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, soft Ginger cookies, traditional spicy Gingerbread Men, and the versatile Sugar cookie decorated with Royal Icing.

Chocolate Crinkle cookies get dressed up and transform into Red Velvet Crinkles. Hazelnut Biscotti dipped in dark chocolate are a must with Christmas brunch coffee. On the adults-only table are special laced treats. Do you want a Chocolate Rum Ball or a Bourbon-Spiked Eggnog cookie? Or perhaps you prefer a Kahlua Creme Brule cookie?

Grandma’s Icebox cookies are a household tradition, along with Grandpa’s famous Date bars. The little ones enjoy Candy cane cookies sprinkled with peppermint or the gooey raspberry and almond Shortbread Thumbprints. Uncle Arthur picks the Buckeye Balls, while Aunt Sue lays claim to every Coconut Macaroon she can find. Dad will deny he has a favorite, but the Chocolate-covered cherry cookies seem to disappear when he is near.

As much I adore creating and tasting each batch as they emerge from the oven, my friends and family miss the sweet simplicity of Lemon Butter cookies.

What cookie does your Santa crave?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer