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Holiday Recipes Start Here
Dec 7th Podcast
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Elfie’s Christmas Cookie Adventure
A Heartwarming Holiday Tale from the North Pole.
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Santa’s Cozy Break
Santa leaned back in his soft, red-cushioned chair, letting out a contented sigh. The North Pole workshop was finally quiet after another busy morning. ” I finally put the finishing touches on those game boards and Lincoln Logs. I know the kids are going to love them,” he muttered to himself, with a warm smile on his face.
A Tasty Surprise
Just then, Elfie – a sprightly little elf with twinkling eyes – entered the room, holding a plate piled high with golden butter cookies and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. “Here Santa, Mrs. Claus baked some goodies for you to enjoy during your break,” Elfie said, offering the treats with a flourish.
Santa’s eyes lit up as he reached for a cookie. “You know, Elfie, I keep thinking about how much I enjoy the cookies that girls and boys leave out on Christmas Eve. I just love them. It would be so nice to know what they’re cooking up this year.”
Santa Sketch by Lizzie Goslak – Copyright 2025
A Spark of Inspiration
Elfie grinned mischievously, an idea forming in her mind. “Hey Santa, I have a great idea! How about if I just take a little adventure trip and check out what’s happening in some of those kitchens? I’m sure you would love to know what little cookies are being baked up just for you. It would be such fun to discover their new creative ideas. You could even share them with Mrs. Claus!” Santa chuckled and patted Elfie on the shoulder. “Elfie, you are one of the best little elf friends I have. Go ahead, take a quick spin – but don’t let anyone see you!”
Elfie’s Magical Journey
With Santa’s blessing, Elfie zipped out of the workshop, her tiny boots barely making a sound on the snowy ground. Her heart fluttered with excitement as she approached the magical sleigh that could whisk her around the world in the blink of an eye.
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Elfie Visits Georgia
Tonight, I zipped down to a cozy kitchen in Georgia, where the air smelled like fresh evergreen and magic. I peeked out from behind a giant cocoa container and spotted Charlotte, humming tunes from The Nutcracker Suite as she mixed up these irresistible small chocolate mint cookies.
But here’s the elf-sized surprise: the secret magic ingredient? Heaps of fresh Southern pecans, ground just right to add that nutty crunch and chew! Oh, Santa, wait until you taste these – they’ll make your eyes twinkle with delight. One bite, and it’s like a holiday hug in cookie form.
Chocolate “Wow” Cookies
Tiny chocolate mint cookies are rich and indulgent.
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About the Recipe: Wow cookies are a decadent treat for chocolate lovers, who find it hard to resist, rich melt-away chocolate with just a touch of cool refreshing mint. Lots of crushed fresh pecans help to create a soft yet chewy texture. They are a great choice for your holiday cookie plate!
Recipe Inspired by: From Sounds Delicious: The Flavor of Atlanta in Food & Music from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Yield: 48 small cookies
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Chocolate “Wow” Cookies
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Elfie Visits Pennsylvania
The Big Surprise
Elfie headed towards Pennsylvania and heard lots of giggling and laughing coming from a house in Pittsburgh. As she peeked in the window, she saw Owen and his sister Olivia shaking a bottle of ketchup into a bowl. Were they making a meatloaf? Nope – they were making ketchup cookies and having a fun time adding some nuts, raisins, and yes, mini chocolate chips.
Elfie shook her head back and forth, “I can’t believe that this combo will make delicious cookies”, so she decided to hide behind a high cabinet and wait to see what happens. It wasn’t long before sweet spicy scents filled the whole house.
The kids started to drizzle orange glaze over the cooled cookies, whisking the icing in zigzagged designs over the cookies.
Owen said, “Grandma’s family believed that ketchup had healing properties, a kind of miracle medicine that helped with digestion, so she felt it was important to add it to her holiday cookies.” Elfie’s eyes widened in disbelief. The kids just giggled and laughed at that but agreed that Grandma would be so proud that they made her special cookies for the holidays. Elfie found herself chuckling too. This was a wild and crazy cookie stop – Santa would love it!
WILD ‘N CRAZY KETCHUP COOKIES
Lightly spiced buttery oat cookies filled with lots of crunch.
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About the Recipe: These crispy, buttery oatmeal cookies are packed with texture and unexpected holiday cheer: crunchy pecans, sweet raisin pieces, and pops of mini chocolate chips. The real secret? A touch of ketchup! It lends a subtle tangy-spicy depth and a beautiful rosy glow that no one will ever guess. Great for cookie swaps, care packages, or just keeping your own little delicious secret. Bake a batch and watch everyone try to figure out what makes them so wildly delicious!
- Yield: about 3-1/2 dozen
pdf for Copy of Recipe – WILD ‘N CRAZY KETCHUP COOKIES
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Elfie Visits Kentucky
Just One More
As I neared Kentucky, the most wonderful wave of holiday scents rolled over me: cloves, nutmeg, and my absolute favorite, cinnamon. I followed that delicious trail straight to a cozy little house with a white picket fence.
I slipped through a slightly open kitchen door just in time to hear Kay singing jolly Christmas carols while she chopped candied fruits and nuts in her flour-dusted apron. Fruitcake in the making? That’s what I thought too, until I watched her scoop chilled dough into walnut-sized balls and pop them onto cookie sheets. Too small for cake… oh, winner, winner! Fruitcake cookies!
When they were cool, she gave each one a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. One bite-sized, rum-soaked, spice-kissed treasure, exactly elf-sized. This stop is definitely earning five stars on Santa’s list… and I might just beg him to bring an extra one home for me!
Lightly Spiced Fruitcake Cookies
Spice cookies with just a touch of candied fruits.
About the Recipe: This classic of a recipe first appeared in a 1975 issue of Family Circle magazine and quickly became a holiday favorite. Plump raisins, bright red-and-green candied cherries, and a whisper of orange citron are soaked in a splash of rum, then folded into a lightly spiced dough, fragrant with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. After an overnight chill, the dough is shaped into walnut-sized balls, baked until barely golden, and given a snowy dusting of powdered sugar. The result? A soft, chewy cookie that captures all the nostalgic flavors of traditional fruitcake, yet even fruitcake skeptics find themselves reaching for “just one more.”
Yield: about 42 small cookies
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Lightly Spiced Fruitcake Cookies
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Elfie Visits Illinois
Christmas Time in Chicago Is Truly Magical
I headed north feeling like a happy spirited Elfie and was passing over my favorite city, Chicago. I just couldn’t resist its dazzling lights along Michigan Ave’s Magnificent Mile and oh, that giant Christmas tree in Millennium Park. This city has a special international charm. German-inspired treats and gifts from Christkindlmarket had crowds buzzing with activity. Coming closer, I noticed a hot chocolate aroma drifting from one of the tiny Polish neighborhood houses.
Zipping down to take a peek through the partially curtained window, I saw two kids busy in a small kitchen. Their laughter was infectious but what I witnessed shocked me. They were breaking up their chocolate coated baked cookies. I wanted to stop them, but all the pieces were already on the table. “These Oatmeal Butter Brittle Cookies are the best,” said Stella. The kids were having the time of their life. I couldn’t help to think there wasn’t any other city than this “Toddlin Town” where I would find so much joy. Santa will have a magical time here, especially if they leave him an Oatmeal Butter Brittle Cookie.
Oatmeal Butter Brittle Cookies
Perfect for any occasion, easy and fun to make and break apart.
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About the Recipe: The cookie brittle is crisp, has a toffee-like flavor, and fun to prepare. Who doesn’t like breaking up cookies into perfect serving pieces? They can be served plain or decorated with the nuts or sprinkles for the holidays.
Recipe from: Quaker Oats Company, 6th Annual Grand Prize-Winning Recipe; also, one of the top 12 classic Quaker cookie recipes 2008.
Yield: 4 dozen cookies
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Oatmeal Butter Brittle Cookies
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Elfie Visits Wisconsin
“Bake a Three from One” … You’ll Be a Winner …Ivy
Traveling north to Wisconsin today amidst the snow that is starting to fall, I kept thinking how much I loved this weather. I think I’ll make a stop at Ivy’s house and see what this teenager has on her schedule. It’s early so I’ll just quietly hang out in her kitchen behind this cute little basket. Wait! What is this? I’m smelling fresh-baked cookies, don’t tell me that she made this basket out of chocolate cookies. That girl is amazing! Shh, someone’s coming; better duck behind the basket.
Ivy heads for the refrigerator and removes a large dish with 3 pieces of dough. Staying as quiet as an elf can be, I watch her work her magic: shaping the first into round reindeer cookies with icing antlers and candy noses, slicing the second into chocolate-dipped peppermint delights, and rolling the third in toffee bits for a crunchy surprise. Three different cookies using creamy Wisconsin cheese from one batch of dough. Wow! Mrs. Claus would love that! Then like a culinary chef, Ivy arranges them in the cookie basket. I couldn’t help but giggle thinking that Santa could eat the cookies and the basket. Hope Ivy puts the recipe on the web. Santa’s in for a new experience when he stops here!
Mascarpone Cookie Dough
One dough gives you 3 different cookies.
About the Recipe: If you only have time to make one batch of dough, then mix up this creamy cheese sugar cookie dough, that can be divided into 3 different kinds of cookies. It’s almost magical! Divide the dough into 3 pieces. Roll out some round reindeer cookies with the first piece, then dip a few cookies in chocolate and add some peppermint crunch and finally mix in milk chocolate toffee bits in your third part for a double delight. What an easy and delicious way to bake up some holiday cookies!
Recipe by:
https://www.wisconsincheese.com/recipes/3683/favorite-mascarpone-sugar-cookies
Reindeer Cookies Yield: about 1 1/2 dozen cookies.
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies Yield: 2 dozen cookies.
Toffee Cookies Yield: 2 dozen cookies
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Ivy the teenage baking whiz.
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Ivy putting her artistic talents to work making reindeer cookies.
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Ivy fabricating the cookie basket from uncooked cookie dough using a baking pan as a mold.
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Mascarpone Cookie Dough
pdf for Copy of Recipe – The Cookie Basket Recipe
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Elfie Visits Minnesota
That Magic Midwest
Not many places do winter better than Minnesota. They celebrate the snowy season like true Midwesterners, with ice mazes, snow sculptures, sledding hills, delicious holiday cookies, and lively winter festivals. I couldn’t resist taking a peek at St. Paul’s excited community as they prepared for the upcoming Winter Carnival. Then, I tiptoed over to Grandpa’s house to see what he was baking up for the holidays.
As I squeezed between the mountains of old cookbooks piled on his table, I spotted him; smiling and laughing while he mixed just a few simple ingredients. He rolled out the dough with a flourish, topped each cookie with a perfect walnut half, and slid them into the oven to bake until golden brown. The kitchen filled with the warm, buttery aroma that made my elf nose twitch with delight.
When he pulled them out, Grandpa beamed at his fresh-baked holiday treats and shouted, “Oh, yes! A little shortbread makes everything in life better!” I giggled from my hiding spot because I knew Santa would wholeheartedly agree.
Walnut Shortbread Cookies
Buttery Golden Shortbread with lots of crunchy walnuts
About the Recipe: This shortbread is buttery rich and filled with finely crushed walnuts. They are easy to make and only have a few ingredients. Shortbread cookies make beautiful holiday gifts or serve them at your holiday parties. Add your own creative touch by using a cookie cutter to create a new shaped cookie.
Yield: about 2-1/2 dozen cookies (depending on the cutter used)
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Walnut Shortbread Cookies
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Elfie Visits Idaho
A Real-Life Christmas Card
Nestled in the quiet embrace of the Rocky Mountains, I traveled northwest to Sun Valley, Idaho; a place that felt like stepping into a living Christmas card. The graceful peaks invited me to slow down, where the soft glow of lantern-like lights illuminated cozy ledges and small houses dressed up with festive, shimmering evergreen trees against a pristine blanket of snow. A whispering welcome drew me toward a brightly decorated cottage; its windows frosted with holiday cheer.
Peering through the kitchen pane, I spotted Wyatt and little Lily giggling together, their laughter warming the cozy space like a crackling fire. They were crushing a bag of Idaho potato chips into crunchy bits, then boldly dumping them straight into a bowl of cookie batter. “Hey, kids! Don’t do that!” I whispered urgently to myself, but it was too late, the unconventional mix was already headed for the oven.
To my surprise, the baked cookies emerged golden, and they dusted them with powdered sugar, their aroma irresistible, crisp, and delightfully crunchy from those unexpected chips. I couldn’t resist; I waited for my chance and snuck in for a little taste. Oh, so yummy; sweet, salty, and utterly magical! Santa’s going to flip for these potato chip surprises. Who knew Idaho’s spuds could make such a festive secret ingredient?’
Idaho Potato Chip Cookies
Salty and Sweet is a winning combo in these buttery rich cookies.
About the Recipe: These cookies are buttery rich and tender, a flashback on pecan sandies. Salty and sweet is an unbeatable combination. They are easy to make, using only a few ingredients. The potato chips give them a bonus flavor and crazy crunch.
Recipe Inspired by: Heritage Holiday Sweets in Holiday Cooking, Better Homes and Gardens, 1995.
Cook’s Note: I found that regular potato chips are better than Kettle chips, which seem a little too crispy in the soft cookie.
Yield: about 3 to 3-1/2 dozen cookies
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Idaho Potato Chip Cookies
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Elfie Visits California
Elf Kisses and Love Wishes
I was skipping along the sand of Coronado Beach, humming Christmas carols to the seagulls, when I decided that if San Diego really is “America’s Finest City,” it must bake some of America’s finest cookies for Santa. The salty air was lovely, but then a breeze carried something even sweeter: strawberry, mint, and warm butter all rolled together.
I followed that heavenly scent past the grand hotels until I spotted an open window on the third floor of a low-rise building. One sprinkle of elf-dust and whoosh! Up I went.
Inside a sunny kitchen stood two college boys wearing surf shirts and flour covered aprons. Trays of delicate pink flower cookies cooled everywhere, each with a chocolate chip glowing in the center like a tiny jewel. The taller boy was carefully painting petals with a tiny brush: rose, green, sky-blue, yellow, while his best friend sprinkled powdered sugar like fresh snow.
“Think she’ll like them?” Oliver asked, suddenly nervous.
“Dude, relax,” Bob laughed. “You found her grandmother’s actual 1968 Pillsbury Bake-Off recipe for Berry Patch Cookies, when she was a bake-off finalist! Her grandma used to call them Persian Jewel Cookies before the contest renamed them. When your girlfriend opens the tin on Christmas morning and sees these exact pink flowers with painted petals. She’s gonna cry happy tears.”
Oliver smiled, dipping his brush into green again. “She always talks about how her grandma painted each petal with her mom while baby TJ napped. Said the cookies tasted like strawberry-mint milkshakes and love. I added the mint extract just like the little note in the margin says was Grandma’s secret twist.”
I nearly fell off the windowsill clutching my heart. This wasn’t just baking! This was romance, wrapped in cookie dough! A boy bringing his girlfriend’s own family history back to life, one painted petal at a time.
I can’t wait to tell Santa to fly extra low over Coronado this year. Somewhere on that glittering beach, a girl is about to open the most magical Christmas surprise ever: her grandmother’s famous Berry Patch Cookies, made pink and impressively by the young guy who loves her. Santa will love this story and the Love cookies.
Berry Patch Holiday Cookies
Inspired recipe from finalist in 1968 19th Pillsbury Bake-Off.
About the Recipe: Some cookies have a special magic, and this is definitely one of them. This recipe shines because you can easily flatten the dough using a disc from your cookie press, allowing you to create your own unique designs. By adding flavored milk mix, you get a tasty strawberry-flavored cookie, and decorating is simple, you won’t need fancy frostings or sprinkles. Invite your family or friends to enjoy “painting” the petals or shapes with natural glazed food coloring and top them with a chocolate chip or two for extra flavor. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays!’
Recipe Updated from: Finalist in 1968 19th Pillsbury Bake-Off.
Cook’s Note: If you would like a Strawberry Mint cookie, add a ¼ to ½ tsp. of mint extract in place of the almond extract. The amount depends on the strength of the extract.
Yield: about 3 dozen cookies.
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Berry Patch Holiday Cookies
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Elfie Visits Alaska
Sledding North for an Alaskan Adventure
I traded palm trees and balmy breezes for the wild heart of Alaska. Snow-crusted mountains rose around me, Denali looming like a white giant on the horizon. I scanned the spruce trees for moose, foxes, maybe even a lynx, until I rolled into tiny Talkeetna; just in time to catch Tony Rough’n’Tough finishing a dog-sled run with his team of panting, happy huskies.
Tony stomped into the lodge, snowballs clinging to his beard and parka like he’d been pelted by a mischievous blizzard. He made a beeline for the kitchen, poured himself a steaming mug of cocoa, and pulled out a mixing bowl. Curiosity got the better of me; I peeked around the pantry door as he whipped butter, sugar, and vanilla into dough, rolled it into perfect little spheres, and baked them golden brown. When they came out, he showered them with drifts of colored powdered sugar until each cookie looked exactly like a miniature aurora-kissed snowball.
He set the tray on the table, called the dogs in for ear scratches and belly rubs, and took a long sip of cocoa. One bite of cookie, and his frost-reddened cheeks broke into a huge grin.
Somewhere far above the Arctic Circle, I swear I heard sleigh bells. Turns out Santa doesn’t have to travel far for the best treats in the North. Tony already has the recipe, the dogs, and the magic right here in Talkeetna!
Aurora Snowballs
Cookies that capture people’s hearts with their delicious taste and whimsical appearance.
About the Recipe: These snowball cookies create a magical blend of colors from light mint green and blushing pink to creamy white, capturing people’s hearts with their delicious taste, unique appearance, and memories of those snowball fights and making angels in the freshly fallen snow. These round, powdered sugar-coated snowball cookies bring forth that sense of remembering, especially during the holiday season. They are a standout on dessert platters, leaving that cozy feeling of gathering with family and friends. Have some fun and add a touch of whimsy to your festive table this year.
Recipe Inspired by: Better Homes and Gardens, November 1998
Yield: about 3 dozen cookies
pdf for Copy of Recipe – Aurora Snow Balls
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Elfie Returns Home
From coast to coast, Elfie peeked into kitchens, where families made peanut butter blossoms, snickerdoodles, and cranberry bars, every batch was made with love and anticipation for the holidays and Santa’s annual visit. Elfie took mental notes, imagining how much Santa would enjoy hearing about the fun that everyone was having.
As the sun set on his whirlwind adventure, Elfie returned to the North Pole, her heart full and her notebook brimming with stories. She hurried to Santa’s side, eager to share what she had seen.
Santa listened with delight as Elfie described each family’s favorite cookie recipe and the magical moments created in kitchens around the U.S. “It sounds like this year will be extra special,” Santa said warmly. “Thank you, Elfie, for bringing a taste of Christmas magic back to the North Pole. Sure, hope that you are ready for your next assignment. You know it will be Christmas soon.”
With a plate of Mrs. Claus’s butter cookies in hand and stories of baking adventures to savor, Santa was more excited than ever for Christmas Eve. He knew that every cookie left out for him would be a gift of love, joy, and tradition each one a little piece of holiday magic.
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