Three Recipes For Your Holiday Cookie Exchange

Bella Breakdown

Cookie exchanges are a festive and fun way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. Everyone can unite over their favorite recipes, and go home with the perfect present of a box of homemade cookies. Avoid being that person who picks up a pack of pre-made treats, and try one of these simple, but delicious recipes.

Candied Pecan Chocolate Covered Oreos

If you’re short on time, this is the perfect option for you. Pre-made Oreos get a dunk in rich chocolate, and are finished off with some gourmet toppings.

1 1/2 cups Pecan Halves
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons water
a pinch kosher salt
12 ounces chocolate chips
12-15 Oreo Cookies
1/2 cup crushed candy cane pieces

Place pecan halves into a medium non stick skillet over medium heat. Stir in sugar, cinnamon and water until combined. Stir and let pecans bubble cook for about 5 minutes. Mixture will become thick. Pour pecans onto parchment paper to cool for at least 15 minutes.

Melt chocolate in the microwave in 30 second increments. Dip cookies into melted chocolate, press a candied pecan on top and sprinkle with candy cane pieces. Place onto parchment paper to set up. Once chocolate hardens, serve room temperature.

White Chocolate Cinnamon Chip Cookies

Snickerdoodles get a gourmet twist with white chocolate chunks and a heavy dose of cinnamon. These are the ultimate holiday cookie.

1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
3 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup cinnamon chips
1 cup white chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line a large baking sheet with a silpat liner or parchment paper.

In a stand mixer, cream your butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla beating to combine. Slowly add your flour, pudding mix, salt baking soda and cinnamon. Add chips and mix until just combined.
Using a medium cookie scoop, place dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart from each other. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until baked through. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling rack. Serve and enjoy.

Red Velvet Candy Bar Cookies

This one is for those who can’t decide between cake and candy. Red velvet cake mix forms the base of the cookie, making this a super easy recipe with a pretty red color for the holidays.

1 Box Red Velvet Cake Mix
1 stick/1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
4 full size Dark Milky Way Bars (or other candy such as Snickers)
1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line a large baking sheet with a silpat liner or parchment paper.

Place cake mix, butter, egg and oil into a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Cut up Milky Way bars into chunks and stir into dough along with the chocolate chips. Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet placing about 1 inch apart. Press each cookie down almost flat about 1/2 inch thick. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until baked through. Let cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies

Author: Lauren Staehle

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