‘Cookies’ Articles at Sweetnicks

Recipe: Iced Gingerbread Bars

December 18, 2017 · Narrative

So simple and delicious, these Gingerbread Bars are the perfect thing to add to your Holiday Treat gift giving.

So remember how last week I said I’m not the blogger that generally has recipes and gift guides and things ready before the actual holiday? Well … that’s mostly true … except today! Sharing a recipe that would be perfect to add to holiday treat trays if you happen to do baking and sharing during the holiday season.

And yeah, I’m just as impressed as you are. This will probably not happen again any time soon.

I did a few cooking workshops this weekend with kids, and our focus was on holidays treats. I did a few tried-and-true recipes, and this recipe for Gingerbread Bars was a new one.

So simple to make, the kids actually did it all on their own. The recipe uses, for the most part, ingredients you likely have on hand already. The only ingredient I needed to purchase was the molasses … and since I rarely use molasses, if you have any recipes that use it as a ingredient, please share!

Once you mix up the ingredients, you just spread it into the baking dish and make sure it’s level. It bakes up super fast, and then once it was cooled, I drizzled it with the confectioners glaze.

It’s something completely different, but since it’s so simple to make, you can easy bang out many batches of this to add to your holiday trays. The kids have a half day on Friday, and I promised we would spend the afternoon baking up a storm.

Oh! And one more super important thing .., if you don’t like gingerbread and gingerbread-flavored things, make this anyway! Neither Nick nor I like gingerbread anything, and we loved these. And also, because it’s sort of a different flavor, I think you can safely stop after one or two bars … which means you won’t be stuffing yourself silly.

Hungry for more items for your holiday trays?
Espresso Delights are so simple and pretty.
Mexican Weddings Cakes are always a crowd pleaser.
These Cinnamon Nut Spice Cookies are one of my favorites, which means I don’t make them too often, because I will eat them all.
No Bake Cookies hit my kitchen regularly because they’re a favorite of both kids….

Favorite Cookies for the Holidays

December 16, 2016 · Narrative

That moment when you realize it’s Friday and you haven’t blogged all week.

Yep. #realife

I am running all over the place over the past few months, and the hours just seem to slip away from me.

But I offer you cookies.

Because whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or making it through the week, there can never be enough cookies.

I’ve made three different batches so far this week, and have several planned for this weekend. I can’t decide if we’ll be putting together cookie trays or baskets for friends and neighbors, or just winging it. I’m leaning towards the latter, but we’ll see how the weekend goes.

And since my mindset is currently “all the cookies, all the time,” I thought I’d share a few of our favorites.

These Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies are super simple to make, and there is no denying that mint flavor. Delish.

Similar to a cookie I loved as a kid, these No Bake Cookies are kid-approved by BOTH of my kids (which is a tough feat), and one of our favorites. Quick to make, and they hit our cookie jar probably at least twice a month.

Cinnamon-Nut Spice Cookies are MY favorite cookie, and neither of my kids like them. So, more for me, of course.

We went through countless recipes to find the PERFECT chocolate chip cookie recipe, per our own criteria, and this is the one. The secret is the pudding mix.

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Recipe: Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies & OXO Illuminating Digital Hand Mixer

December 21, 2015 · Narrative, Sweets

I haven’t had a hand-held mixer since a million years ago before I got married. Back then, I used it ALL THE TIME, but then soon after I got married I got a Kitchen-Aid stand mixer and never looked back.

Until now.

When the good folks at OXO ask if I wanted to try their new mixer, I jumped at the chance.

Mostly because my hand-held mixer of yesteryear was LONG GONE, and there many times during the week that I look at the Kitchen-Aid on my counter and really want that counter space back.

I have it there because if it’s out in plain sight, I will use it more.

FACT.

But when it’s out in plain sight … well, it’s out in plain sight.

You get my drift.

When I was initially reading the details on this new mixer, I noticed that it featured a headlight.

What the…?!

Yes, a headlight for your mixer.

And I will be quite honest, I thought that was a little bit ridiculous.

What could you possibly need a headlight for?

But then I used it.

And, like, WOW.

You need a headlight for your mixer.

Trust me.

I even took a short ten second video for you, so you could see how illuminated the inside of my mixing bowl is:

Although I was doing my baking in the early afternoon and it was sunny outside, you would think the headlight feature wouldn’t have been that big a deal.

You would be wrong.

I could suddenly SEE everything in my bowl. It’s like you don’t even realize how dark your bowl and batter is until it is suddenly all lit up.

It was the coolest thing ever, and I was instantly a convert.

There are, of course, other highlights to this mixer. It comes with the standard beaters, and also pastry hooks, and a handy little thing on the front where you can attach the beaters to the mixer. Very convenient, although I did secretly wish it came with a little case or even just a bag to keep it from getting dusty when stored.

The other thing I noticed … you know when you’re mixing, sometimes you feel like being a rebel and don’t hold the bowl … and then you’re sorry you didn’t because there is batter everywhere?

No need to worry with this one. The motor is slow and steady and even with me not holding the bowl, the mixer didn’t get all crazy and my bowl stayed put.

It’s the little things, what can I say?

Now … what did I make with my first foray with this mixer?

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies.

So good.

Nick had a holiday party tonight with his Leaders club, and this was the perfect thing to make for a crowd of teenagers. With the Andes candy chunks throughout, and the mint extract, no denying the flavor.

Fresh out of the oven? Amazeballs.

I will admit, the green color is a little off-putting at first. The kids said the cookies looked like they were sick. My mom said she was hesitant to take one too. But once they bit into them… all bets were off. And you could, of course, skip the green food coloring, but where’s the fun in that?

Two quick notes and then I’m off … WATCH THE BAKING TIME CAREFULLY. Can you tell which cookies are overdone?

And two, don’t use the mixer when you’re mixing in the chocolate pieces – that will make your batter a gross muddy color, and ain’t nobody got time for that.

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Recipe: Peanut Butter and Nutella Cookies

July 29, 2014 · Narrative

Quick to make, delicious little cookies filled with peanut butter and Nutella. #winning

If you don’t follow the directions and mix everything in one bowl.

If you have something against chilling cookie dough and are far too impatient for such things.

If you missed the part of “swirl the Nutella in.”

Make these cookies anyway.

Because I totally did all of the above and they still came out delicious nonetheless.

I never was a rule follower anyway.

The batter mixes up in nothing flat. Especially if you happen to ignore the directions and just mix it all together. Using a mini scooper, I plopped the batter onto three cookie sheets and put them in the oven while I was making dinner tonight. It did take slightly longer than the 7-10 minutes of baking the recipe indicated, but that might have something to do with the fact that the dough wasn’t chilled per the directions. Just keep an eye on the cookies while they’re baking and take them out when the edges start to turn golden brown and they feel slightly firm to the touch.

We sent a container over to our neighbors who dropped off the largest zucchini I have ever seen in my life. Fair trade, right? And the kids walked another container up the street.

Which means we have the perfect amount left over to enjoy without overindulging.

The cookies have a tender bite, and while they definitely taste like peanut butter, the Nutella gives them that little something something … keeping them from tasting like the traditional criss-cross peanut butter cookies we all know and love, and making them something special all on their own merit.

Hungry for more Nutella recipes?
This Nutella smoothie, made with Greek yogurt, is a frequent go-to in our home.
Peanut Butter, Banana, and Nutella French Toast put a tasty twist on our breakfast.
Nutella S’mores Pizza was the perfect nosh for an at-home movie night.
Fudge + Nutella? A pretty unbeatable combination.
And a whole Pinterest board dedicated to everything Nutella.

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Recipe: Flourless Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies

January 7, 2014 · Narrative

Peanut butter and bacon come together to make one sinfully delicious cookie.

When we were planning which recipes we were going to make for our holiday cookies trays, the kids and I decided on a good mix of old favorites and new discoveries.

And bacon.

Because, after all, if we’re going to be making Peanut Butter Bacon treats for the dogs, we might as well make something bacon-themed for us as well. Via these Flourless Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies.

By crisping up all the bacon for both recipes at the same time, it was easy to make quick work and get both recipes banged out in nothing flat.

And you know, bacon.

We love these cookies.

Much like the traditional criss-cross peanut butter cookie we all know and love, these Flourless Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies are slightly different with the addition of crispy bacon bits and the omission of flour. Perfect for all your gluten-free friends! By omitting the flour, it does make a very fragile cookie, so these are best when *not* served on a cookie platter or sent in the mail.

So, you know, pretty much stellar for enjoying in the confines of your own kitchen. Or with your very bestest friends. Or the cutest kitchen helpers you know.

‘Cause we always have time for that.

Don’t let the cookies’ fragility keep you from making them. You just need to be gentle when stacking or plating because they break easily.

They’re definitely all-stars and worth making.

Again and again and again.

Because, you know, BACON.

It is a delicate sugary, crispy, salty party in your mouth with each and every bite. Just double the bacon.

Hungry for more bacon recipes?
This Hot Bacon & Cheese Dip is a must-make. Trust me.
These Bacon Crackers are deliciously addictive and hitting our oven again tonight.

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Recipe: Potato Chip Cookies {Better Homes & Gardens}

June 18, 2012 · Narrative

“Oh man, these are the best cookies I’ve ever had.”

‘Tis very high praise indeed. Especially when it comes from someone who is not even related to me. Although he refers to me as Aunt Cate. “Because you’re more than just a friend. Is that ok if I call you Aunt Cate?”

Of course. Commence heart swelling.

He’s one of Nick’s friends, younger than him by just six months, and is one of my favorites, because he is well-behaved, polite, and a good friend to Nick. A combination that is not always easy to come by. He has a voracious appetite, and I can usually find him in my kitchen, asking for a snack or two or six.

Last year, his mom asked him, “Who’s the best mom you know?” “Nick’s mom!” he answered, taking her by surprise, because she, no doubt, expected a different answer. I have since been downgraded to the number two spot, in favor for his own mom, but these cookies might have edged her out again.

I remember my own mom making potato chip cookies for my sister and I when we were kids. The concept has been around forever, and there are countless varieties, even new fangled riffs that include pretzels and coffee grounds. I’ve made a different version of them before myself too, and it’s a good go-to cookie because it’s easy to make, totally kid-approved, and you likely have all the ingredients on hand to whip up a quick batch whenever the mood strikes.

This version is from the folks at Better Homes & Gardens, and is super light and flaky. Or as Nick’s friend proclaimed last week, they’re “the best cookie.” Or at least until the next batch hits the kitchen counter.

If you missed yesterday’s post, be sure to comment for your chance to win a nice stash from Tori Spelling’s new jewelry line.

Tomorrow? Time for more art.

PS If you’re looking for more recipes for potato chip cookies, Martha Stewart is actually featuring them in the July issue of Martha Stewart Living (as seen in this pin here on my Cookies board on Pinterest).

June 18, 2012 – Bonus Photo

How is it possible that it’s already time for our End-of-School Rainbow Cake Party?

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Straight from the Cookie Jar: Butter Crunch Cookies

March 16, 2009 · Narrative

The Husband made a roast pork last night for dinner, and I took care of the rice and salad. Since it made for an easy night in the kitchen, it was the perfect opportunity to hit my stack of to-try recipes and tackle another one. The glass cookie jar on the counter was getting dangerously low and it was time to rectify that situation.

This recipe comes from a special Cookies magazine that Taste of Home put out around the Christmas holidays, and although I’m not a big fan of rolling cookies into little balls (I usually give that job to Nick, who luckily not only loves it, but is a pro at it), it was in the oven in under fifteen minutes. Even with a minor substitution in the recipe, the end result is just short of an OMG cookie. Seriously rivaling my current favorite, those Cinnamon-Nut Spice Cookies, they are buttery, crispy and downright addicting.

Have a few minutes? Go on and fill up your cookie jar with these babies … you won’t be disappointed.

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Christmas Baking: Cinnamon-Nut Spice Cookies

December 23, 2008 · Narrative

Last Christmas, when I was pregnant with Madeline, I wanted something. Desperately. Cinnamon-Nut Spice Cookies. I was dying for some, and more importantly, for someone to make me a batch because by that time in the pregnancy, my energy was waning quite a bit. Forget waning, my energy had gotten up and left the room completely. No one came to my rescue with a batch of these cookies, and I just couldn’t stand it anymore. I made the batch myself. And didn’t share. So there.

I first discovered Cinnamon-Nut Spice Cookies in January 2007, from one of those Special Interest Publications during the holidays from Better Homes & Gardens (I love the holiday magazines!). They were very similar to a bakery cookie that my mom and I l-o-v-e, and a heckuva lot cheaper. Nicholas and I made them this weekend, both because I love them so, and to include as part of our cookie giving crusade. In the picture of the tray up there, they’re in the middle row, far left (you can always click on the picture to see it bigger).

The recipe could not be simpler, and I think the perfect finish for them (but I ran out of steam this go ’round) would be to drizzle a little confectioner’s sugar glaze over them. Yum. Every year, for me, there is one stand-out cookie recipe that takes the prize as the Cookie of the Year, and this was the one for 2007. I’ve yet to find the one, the stop-the-presses one for this year, and only have a week to go! Do you have one that took the Cookie of the Year distinction for ’08?

Light with a slight crisp, cinnamony sugary and airy and perfect … for your holiday cookie trays, pregnancy cravings or my favorite reason … just because!

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