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Play some festive holiday music, throw on the yule log, and break out the whisk to whip together these classic Christmas cookies. During the holiday season, dining is surely at the front of our minds. As we approach Christmas Eve and Christmas day, the anticipation of booking reservations and savoring meals at these 914 restaurants is more exciting than ever.
Of course, while dining out is always a fun to-do in Westchester, there’s something to be said for cooking up a storm at home. And what would an at-home holiday baking session be without a cocktail or two? We have you covered in both the dessert and liquor department. Opt for our delicious espresso martini, which features espresso and eggnog (bonus points if you use Coffee Labs espresso). For a nonalcoholic option, brew up a batch of hot cider. Or, for those celebrating the Festival of Lights, read up on how to make the perfect latkes, courtesy of Mark Kramer of Susan Lawrence Gourmet Foods.
The Classic Christmas Cookie Details
But back to the classic Christmas cookies. This recipe comes from none other than Liz Larkin of Mrs. Larkin’s, a sweet treats baking company based in Pound Ridge and available for private orders via Instagram DM. Larkin lets us in on her Christmas cookie recipe, which is ideal for any holiday party, get-together, or cozy night in with the family.
“I make this recipe a lot. It’s a versatile dough and can be turned into many different cookies. Cut into rounds with a small biscuit cutter, poke a hole into one round, and they make incredible Linzer-type cookies, sandwiched with thickened seedless raspberry jam. Omit the zest if citrus isn’t your thing. Add a smidge of almond extract, if you like it.” —Liz Larkin
Materials You’ll Need
Classic Christmas Cookies
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes1
hour10
minutesThis recipe makes four dozen cookies cut with a medium-size cookie cutter.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
1 tsp baking powder
16 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
Zest of one large navel orange
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg, room temperature
1 egg white, beaten (for egg wash)
Sprinkles for decorating
Directions
- In medium bowl, whisk flour and baking powder and set aside.
- Cream together the butter, sugar, and zest until light and fluffy, about five minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat another minute or so.
- Mix in flour mixture. Blend until dough begins to pull away from sides of bowl. Take the dough out of the mixer and form into a disk shape and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for about an hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- On a lightly floured counter, roll out the dough to about a quarter-inch thick. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Dip cookie cutters into flour to help them release easily from the dough. Place on parchment-lined cookie sheets. Brush with egg wash. Decorate with sprinkles.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, depending on size of cookie, or until cookies are just golden brown on the edges.
If you’re on the hunt for festive happenings throughout the county to keep your month cheerful, check out the hottest December happenings. Additionally, family-friendly activities for winter break, holiday light displays, and Hanukkah events.
Related: Where to Eat in Westchester Before Heading to Rockefeller Center