11 Christmas Cookies For Teachers Appreciation Gifts

Classic Sugar Cookies

Classic sugar cookies are a timeless favorite that are perfect for sharing during the holiday season, especially as gifts for teachers. These sweet, buttery cookies can be cut into festive shapes and decorated with icing or sprinkles, making them a delightful treat that will spread holiday cheer. With their delightful taste and simple preparation, classic sugar cookies are a must-bake for any festive occasion.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that your cookies will bake evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help to aerate the flour and evenly distribute the leavening agents.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should come together but remain soft.
6. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two halves and flatten each into a disc. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape.
7. Roll Out and Cut Shapes: Once chilled, remove one disc from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes and place them on ungreased baking sheets.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
9. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Decorate: Once the cookies are cooled, decorate them with icing or sprinkles. You can also dust them with confectioners’ sugar for a simple finish.

These classic sugar cookies are sure to be a hit with teachers and will make for a sweet holiday treat! Enjoy your baking!

Sale

Fullstar The Original Pro Chopper - Vegetable Chopper and Spiralizer, Food Chopper with Container,...

• The Original Pro Chopper - Our superstar veggie slicer has been creating waves on TikTok! Simple to use,...
• Easy Meal Prep with Rust-Resistant Blades - Our vegetable chopper is perfect for anyone who wants to eat...
• 5-Star Design - The soft-grip TPU handle ensures controlled chopping, while the non-skid rubber base...

$49.99 −$20.00 $29.99

Buy on Amazon

Gingerbread Men

Gingerbread men are a beloved holiday classic that bring warmth and whimsy to any festive gathering. These spiced cookies are not only fun to make but also delightful to decorate, making them an excellent gift for teachers or friends during the Christmas season. With their rich flavor and charming appearance, gingerbread men are guaranteed to be a hit!

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to confirm that your gingerbread men bake evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This step blends the spices and leavening agent for a uniform flavor in your dough.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined and smooth.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick, so be careful not to overmix.
6. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two halves, flatten each into a disc, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling process helps the dough become firm and easier to roll out.
7. Roll Out Dough: Once chilled, remove one disc of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick, making sure it’s even to confirm uniform baking.
8. Cut Out Shapes: Use gingerbread man cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the rolled dough. Place the cut-out cookies on ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the cookies are slightly darkened. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
10. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Decorate (Optional): Once cooled, you can decorate the gingerbread men with royal icing, sprinkles, or other edible decorations to bring them to life!

Enjoy your delicious gingerbread men as a festive treat for yourself, or package them up to share with your favorite teachers!

Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy...

• Makes Everything Simple : Just forget your bagged cheese! Only turn the handle for several times and get...
• Premium Material : All parts of the rotary cheese grater are made of food grade ABS material, no BPA. The...
• Three Option Grater : The parmesan cheese grater finishes food preparation with slicing, shredding and...

$24.97

Buy on Amazon

Snickerdoodles

Snickerdoodles are a classic holiday cookie known for their soft and chewy texture, rolled in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar that gives them their unique flavor and irresistible aroma. These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with teachers, friends, or family during the festive season, bridging traditional treats with seasonal cheer.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees the cookies bake evenly once you place them in.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed, confirming that the baking soda and cream of tartar are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
5. Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and the ¼ cup of additional sugar. This will be used to roll the cookie dough balls.
7. Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a ball about 1 inch in diameter. This should yield approximately 24 cookies.
8. Roll in Cinnamon Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture until they are fully coated. This will add that signature flavor and texture to your snickerdoodles.
9. Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the coated dough balls on ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving a couple of inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
10. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. The centers may look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for maintaining a soft texture.
11. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 3-5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your snickerdoodles fresh or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment!

Chef Preserve Compact Vacuum Sealer for Food (Vacuum Sealer Machine + 30 Reusable Vacuum Bags)...

• 💰 REDUCE WASTE AND SAVE MONEY: Chef Preserve keeps FOOD FRESH 5 TIMES LONGER than non-vacuum storage...
• ✅ POWERFUL, QUICK & EASY TO USE: Simply press the button to start. The device vacuum seals a bag in 5...
• ♻️ REUSABLE & RESEALABLE BAGS: Chef Preserve comes with dishwasher, freezer, refrigerator, and...

$99.00

Buy on Amazon

Peppermint Bark Cookies

Peppermint Bark Cookies are a festive twist on classic cookies, combining the rich flavors of chocolate with invigorating peppermint. These delightful treats feature a chocolate cookie base, topped with a layer of white chocolate and crushed peppermint candies, making them an excellent choice for gifting to teachers or sharing at holiday gatherings.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees a proper baking environment for your cookies.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the flour-cocoa mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space between the cookies for spreading.
8. Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Prepare White Chocolate Topping: While the cookies are cooling, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second increments and stirring in between until smooth.
10. Top with White Chocolate: Once the cookies are completely cool, use a spoon to drizzle or spread a layer of melted white chocolate on top of each cookie.
11. Sprinkle Peppermint: Immediately after topping with white chocolate, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on each cookie, pressing them gently into the chocolate to guarantee they adhere.
12. Let Set: Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature until the white chocolate has hardened, or refrigerate them for quicker setting.

Enjoy these scrumptious Peppermint Bark Cookies as a delightful holiday treat for teachers or loved ones!

Sale

Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker, Stainless Steel (SCV700-S-BR), Versatile Cookware for...

• Generous Capacity: 7-quart slow cooker that comfortably serves 9+ people or fits a 7-pound roast
• Cooking Flexibility: High or low slow cooking settings, with convenient warm function for ideal serving...
• Convenient: Set it and forget it feature enables you to cook while at work or performing daily tasks

$59.99 −$24.00 $35.99

Buy on Amazon

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies are a classic favorite that never goes out of style. These delicious cookies are characterized by their perfectly chewy texture and are loaded with rich, melty chocolate chips. Whether enjoyed at home or gifted to a teacher, these cookies are a surefire way to spread joy during the holiday season.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps guarantee that your cookies bake evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mix becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Add the vanilla extract and the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined and the mixture appears smooth.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Using a spatula, gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each dough ball to allow for spreading.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
9. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This will help them set and makes them easier to handle.

Enjoy your freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfect for sharing with friends, family, and teachers alike!

Sale

Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers BPA Free Airtight Lids Ideal for Lunch Meal Prep &...

• 100% Leak-proof: Guaranteed no-spill seal and secure latches
• Crystal-clear Tritan Built: Stain-resistant and odor-resistant material for a clear view of contents
• Lightweight & Sturdy: Easy to carry, yet durable for everyday use

$39.99 −$12.00 $27.99

Buy on Amazon

Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies

Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional oatmeal cookie, bringing a burst of festive flavor with each bite. The tartness of cranberries complements the sweet citrus notes of fresh orange, creating a chewy, hearty cookie that’s perfect for sharing with teachers during the holiday season.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that the cookies bake evenly and achieve the right texture.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together to guarantee an even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat the mixture on medium speed until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry oat-flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Stop mixing once you see that the dry ingredients are just incorporated; overmixing can make the cookies tough.
6. Fold in Cranberries and Orange Zest: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest using a spatula. Confirm that the fruits are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the cookie dough onto ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Be sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each dough ball to allow for spreading during baking.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, while the centers may still appear soft.
9. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. After they have set, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies and spread some holiday cheer!

Etekcity Food Kitchen Scale, Digital Grams and Ounces for Weight Loss, Baking, Cooking, Keto and...

• 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: Supports 5 units...
• 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀: Accurately weighs up to 11 lb/5 kg with 1 g...
• 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 & 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: The small and sleek scale is a perfect fit for...

$13.99

Buy on Amazon

Almond Joy Cookies

Almond Joy Cookies are a decadent treat inspired by the beloved candy bar, combining chocolate, coconut, and almonds into a chewy cookie form. These cookies are perfect for gifting to teachers, bringing a taste of nostalgia and festivity to the holiday season.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees your cookies bake evenly and achieve the perfect chewy texture.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. This helps to combine the dry ingredients uniformly and removes any lumps.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Blend until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Coconut, Almonds, and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the shredded sweetened coconut, chopped almonds, and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough using a spatula. Confirm the mix is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of the cookie dough onto ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each scoop to accommodate for spreading during baking.
8. Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for several days.

Enjoy sharing these delicious Almond Joy Cookies with your teachers and friends this holiday season!

Sale

Alpha Grillers Meat Thermometer Digital - Instant Read Food Thermometer for Cooking and Grilling...

• Instant Read Food Thermometer | Our instant read thermometer features a temperature probe and advanced,...
• Multi-Use | From bbq thermometer to baking thermometer, our digital food thermometer for cooking is...
• Easy-Read Digital Thermometer For Cooking | Large instant thermometer dial with bright blue backlight...

$19.99 −$6.41 $13.58

Buy on Amazon

Eggnog Cookies

Eggnog Cookies are a festive and flavorful holiday treat that captures the warmth and spiced essence of classic eggnog in a delightful cookie form. These soft and chewy cookies are perfect for sharing with teachers during the holiday season, bringing a taste of cheer and seasonal spirit to any gathering.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee your cookies bake evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and salt. This guarantees the spices and leavening agent are well distributed throughout the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg, Eggnog, and Vanilla: Beat in the egg, followed by the eggnog and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
6. Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of cookie dough onto ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop for spreading.
7. Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are soft. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Prepare Frosting: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk until smooth and desired consistency is reached. Frost cooled cookies as desired, and sprinkle with additional nutmeg or cinnamon for extra holiday flair.

Enjoy these delicious Eggnog Cookies as a sweet gift for teachers, friends, or as a festive treat for yourself this holiday season!

Sale

Home Hero 54-Piece Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensils Set - Heat-Resistant Nonstick Silicone &...

• Versatile 54-Piece Collection: Elevate your kitchen with the Home Hero 54-Piece Kitchen Utensil Set, a...
• Durable and Long-Lasting: Crafted from premium stainless steel, these kitchen utensils are designed to...
• Perfect Holiday Gift: Delight your loved ones with this kitchen utensils gift set this festive season....

$87.99 −$20.01 $67.98

Buy on Amazon

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies are a scrumptious treat that combine the rich flavors of creamy white chocolate and the buttery crunch of macadamia nuts. These cookies are chewy with a slight crisp around the edges, making them the perfect sweet indulgence for teachers during the holiday season. They are sure to impress with their decadent flavor and delightful texture.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee ideal baking conditions for your cookies.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to guarantee an even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout the batter.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and then add the vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly mix the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed, blending until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the tender texture of the cookies.
6. Fold in Chocolate and Nuts: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped macadamia nuts using a spatula, guaranteeing they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each dough ball, as they will spread as they bake.
8. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown while the centers remain soft. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Enjoy: Once cooled, these cookies are ready to be packed up and gifted to teachers or enjoyed with family and friends during the holiday season!

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw, BPA-Free Sports Water Bottle, Great...

• 24-ounce insulated stainless-steel water bottle with a FreeSip spout and push-button lid with lock
• Patented FreeSip spout designed for either sipping upright through the built-in straw or tilting back to...
• Protective push-to-open lid keeps spout clean; convenient carry loop doubles as a lock

$29.99

Buy on Amazon

Reindeer Thumbprint Cookies

Reindeer Thumbprint Cookies are a festive and delightful holiday treat that combines a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base with a sweet and tangy fruit jam filling. These whimsical cookies are decorated to resemble cheerful reindeer, making them a perfect gift for teachers or a fun addition to any holiday cookie platter. Their unique appearance and delicious taste will surely bring smiles to everyone who enjoys them!

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that your cookies will bake evenly and perfectly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to incorporate the leavening agent and season evenly within the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the tender texture of the cookies.
6. Shape the Cookies: Using your hands, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Create Thumbprint Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press down the center of each cookie ball, creating a thumbprint indentation to hold the jam.
8. Fill with Jam: Spoon a small amount of the red and green jam into each thumbprint. Be cautious not to overfill, as the jam may bubble over while baking.
9. Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Add Decorations: After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. While still warm, gently press a chocolate candy into the center of the jam to represent the reindeer’s nose, and add mini chocolate chips for eyes. Insert two pretzel twists on each side to serve as antlers.
11. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or gifting them.

These delightful Reindeer Thumbprint Cookies will add a cheerful touch to your holiday festivities and make wonderful gifts for teachers!

Spiced Pecan Cookies

Spiced Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season with their warm and aromatic spices. These soft, chewy cookies are packed with finely chopped pecans and infused with flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, making them an excellent gift for teachers or a cherished addition to any festive cookie platter. Their nutty flavor and inviting aroma will surely bring joy and warmth to everyone who tastes them!

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating guarantees that your cookies bake evenly.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until evenly mixed to guarantee consistent flavor in each cookie.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the buttery mixture. Beat until everything is well combined, guaranteeing a smooth consistency.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Continue until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to tougher cookies.
6. Incorporate Pecans: Fold the chopped pecans into the cookie dough using a spatula. This will distribute the pecans evenly throughout the dough.
7. Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Place the dough balls on ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving enough space between them (about 2 inches apart) to allow for spreading during baking.
8. Flatten the Cookies: Gently press down on each dough ball with your fingers to flatten them slightly. This will help the cookies spread evenly as they bake.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
10. Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to handle.

Enjoy these delicious Spiced Pecan Cookies with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa!