11 North Carolina Tar Heel Christmas Cookie Recipes With Appalachian Flavors

Appalachian Pecan Sandies

Appalachian Pecan Sandies are delightful, buttery cookies known for their rich flavor and delightful crumble. These cookies incorporate finely chopped pecans, giving them a nutty depth that pairs perfectly with their melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re a great choice for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the cookies to bake evenly and get that perfect golden color.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This guarantees that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can affect the cookie texture.
6. Add Chopped Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans gently using a spatula, making sure they are evenly incorporated into the dough.
7. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookie sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: If desired, once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for added sweetness and a festive touch.

Enjoy your homemade Appalachian Pecan Sandies alongside friends and family for a delightful holiday treat!

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Blue Ridge Gingerbread Cookies

Blue Ridge Gingerbread Cookies are a festive treat that embodies the warm spices of the holiday season. These cookies are soft and chewy, with a perfect balance of molasses and spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Decorated with icing or left plain, they make great gifts and are bound to delight friends and family during the holidays.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee it’s hot and ready to bake the cookies evenly.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the spices throughout the flour.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Molasses and Egg: Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture will be dark and thick due to the molasses.
6. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
7. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is important as it allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to shape.
8. Roll and Cut the Dough: Once chilled, remove dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are firm and the centers are set. They might appear slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
10. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Decorate (Optional): If you’d like to decorate, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk to create a glaze. Use a piping bag or a fork to drizzle the icing on the cooled cookies for a festive touch.

Enjoy these delightful Blue Ridge Gingerbread Cookies during your holiday celebrations!

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Tar Heel Fig Preserves Cookies

Tar Heel Fig Preserves Cookies are a delightful fusion of sweet fig preserves and rich buttery dough, inspired by the flavors of North Carolina. These cookies offer a wonderful balance of texture and taste, with the chewy preserves providing a lovely surprise in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies celebrate regional flavors while bringing a festive cheer to your dessert table.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee it’s at the right temperature for baking your cookies.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which will help the cookies bake evenly and make cleanup a breeze.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, blending until incorporated and smooth.
6. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together—avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
7. Fold in Fig Preserves: Gently fold in the fig preserves (and chopped pecans if using) with a spatula or spoon until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. Shape Cookies: Using a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly soft, which is fine, as they will firm up while cooling.
10. Cool and Dust: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy your Tar Heel Fig Preserves Cookies as a warm treat or store them in an airtight container to share with friends and family!

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Maple Walnut Biscotti

Maple Walnut Biscotti are a delightful twist on the classic Italian cookie, infused with the sweet, earthy flavors of maple syrup and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for dunking in coffee or tea, these biscotti are crisp and flavorful, making them a great treat for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons at home.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and guarantee even baking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until they are evenly combined. This step assures that the leavening agent is properly distributed.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Maple Syrup and Eggs: Mix in the maple syrup and then add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Confirm everything is well combined and smooth.
6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a good texture.
7. Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. Shape the Dough: Divide the dough in half and shape each piece into a log approximately 2 inches wide and ¾ inch thick on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between the logs for spreading while baking.
9. Bake First Time: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the logs are firm to the touch and slightly golden.
10. Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and let the logs cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheet. After cooling, transfer them to a cutting board and slice each log diagonally into ½-inch thick pieces.
11. Bake Again: Place the sliced biscotti cut side down back on the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are crisp and golden.
12. Cool and Dust: Allow the biscotti to cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra festive touch.

Enjoy your Maple Walnut Biscotti with a warm beverage or as a sweet treat during the holiday season!

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North Carolina Sweet Potato Snickerdoodles

North Carolina Sweet Potato Snickerdoodles are a delightful twist on the classic snickerdoodle cookie, incorporating the flavors of sweet potatoes and warm spices. These cookies are soft, chewy, and have a hint of sweetness from the sweet potatoes, making them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie collection. With their slightly crisp edges and soft centers, they are sure to become a favorite among family and friends.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the cookies.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to promote even baking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and light, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Sweet Potato and Egg: Mix in the sweet potato puree until well blended, followed by adding the egg. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
6. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the desired texture of the cookies.
7. Prepare for Rolling: In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This mixture will be used to roll the cookies for added flavor.
8. Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll each piece into a ball. Then, roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
9. Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading during baking.
10. Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
11. Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your North Carolina Sweet Potato Snickerdoodles!

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Cocoa and Cider Molasses Cookies

Cocoa and Cider Molasses Cookies are a unique and flavorful holiday treat that perfectly blend the rich, deep flavor of cocoa with the spiced warmth of molasses and apple cider. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with festive flavors, making them an ideal addition to your Christmas cookie platter. The hint of cocoa enhances the traditional molasses taste, while apple cider adds a delightful tartness that rounds everything out beautifully.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it is ready for baking your cookies.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to guarantee the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt. Make certain all ingredients are combined well.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate Molasses and Cider: Add the molasses and apple cider to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until well blended.
6. Add Egg: Crack the egg into the mixture and beat until it is completely incorporated.
7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
8. Prepare for Rolling: In a shallow bowl, place the ½ cup of granulated sugar. This will be used for rolling the cookie dough.
9. Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of dough and roll each piece into a ball. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar until coated.
10. Bake: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced a few inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
11. Cool: After removing from the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Enjoy: Once cooled, these Cocoa and Cider Molasses Cookies are ready to be enjoyed with a cup of hot cider or your favorite holiday beverage!

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Cherokee Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Cherokee Pumpkin Spice Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic pumpkin cookie, infused with warm spices that evoke the essence of the fall season. These soft, chewy cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home; the rich pumpkin flavor is complemented by cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, creating a comfort food that everyone will love. Each bite is a taste of autumn, making these cookies a must-have for your Christmas cookie collection.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing it for baking the cookies.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to guarantee an easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and salt until evenly combined.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
5. Add Pumpkin and Egg: Mix in the pure pumpkin puree, large egg, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this could create tough cookies.
7. Incorporate Nuts: If desired, fold in the chopped nuts using a spatula to add texture and flavor to the cookies.
8. Drop Spoonfuls of Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked Cherokee Pumpkin Spice Cookies, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season!

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Spiced Apple Crisp Cookies

Spiced Apple Crisp Cookies are a delicious fusion of classic apple crisp flavors and cookie convenience. These cookies encapsulate the essence of fall, featuring tender chunks of apple, warm spices, and a crumbly topping reminiscent of a traditional apple crisp. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy evening treat, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth while bringing a taste of autumn to your dessert table.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that your cookies will bake evenly.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until fully combined.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined, making certain that all the ingredients are incorporated smoothly.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain soft cookies.
7. Fold in Chopped Apples and Oats: Gently fold in the chopped apples and rolled oats with a spatula, allowing the fruit to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
8. Add Optional Pecans: If using, fold in the chopped pecans for added texture and flavor, ensuring they are evenly dispersed.
9. Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
11. Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the wonderful aroma as they cool!

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Honey-Drizzled Cornmeal Cookies

Honey-Drizzled Cornmeal Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rustic flavor of cornmeal with the natural sweetness of honey. These cookies offer a unique texture and taste, making them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter. The lovely honey drizzle adds an elegant touch while enhancing the flavors, creating a memorable dessert for family gatherings or festive celebrations.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees a well-baked cookie with the right texture.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and simplify cleanup.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
5. Add Egg, Honey, Milk, and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg, honey, milk, and vanilla extract until completely integrated into the mixture. Make certain the mixture is smooth.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
7. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
9. Cool the Cookies: After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Drizzle with Honey: Once the cookies are cool, use a spoon or a small squeeze bottle to drizzle the additional honey over the tops of the cookies for a sweet finishing touch.

Enjoy your Honey-Drizzled Cornmeal Cookies as a delightful snack or festive dessert!

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Blackberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Blackberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery cookie goodness and sweet, tangy blackberry jam. These classic cookies feature a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is perfectly complemented by the fruit filling, making them an ideal treat for your holiday gatherings or a sweet gift for loved ones. Their charming thumbprint design adds a homemade touch that is sure to impress.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that the cookies bake evenly.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and aids in easy removal after baking.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Form the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
7. Create Thumbprints: Using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon, gently press down in the center of each cookie dough ball to create an indentation. Make sure not to press too hard, as you want to maintain the structure of the cookie.
8. Fill with Blackberry Jam: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of blackberry jam into the center of each thumbprint indentation. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam may spill over while baking.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should appear set but still soft.
10. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

Southern Buttermilk Sugar Cookies

Southern Buttermilk Sugar Cookies are a classic treat that embodies the warmth and hospitality of the South. These cookies are soft, chewy, and have a deliciously rich flavor thanks to the buttermilk. Perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy gatherings, they can be decorated with icing or enjoyed plain, allowing their buttery goodness to shine through.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees the cookies will bake evenly.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to facilitate easy cleanup.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the large egg and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until fully incorporated.
5. Mix in Buttermilk: Pour in the buttermilk and continue mixing until the batter is smooth and blended.
6. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
7. Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and form balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Flatten the Dough Balls: Gently press down each dough ball with the bottom of a glass or your palm to flatten it slightly. This will help them bake evenly and create that classic sugar cookie shape.
9. Bake the Cookies: Transfer the baking sheets to your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a bit soft, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.
10. Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Optional Decoration: If desired, once the cookies are completely cooled, you can decorate them with icing or enjoy them plain!