Cookie Book 2015
Cookie Book 2015
Cookie Book 2015
H H H H H
H O L IDAYS ACRO
T HE SSH
HH H
Chairman’s Message
So in the spirit of the season, we have a real treat for you this
year. The 2015 edition of the We Energies Cookie Book features
a collection of recipes from friends and families throughout
the United States – all of whom have a special connection to
Wisconsin. You’ll find 51 delicious recipes that celebrate the
holidays across America.
For nearly 90 years, it’s been an honor to share our cookie books
with our customers and their friends far and wide. May this
year’s edition become a cherished part of your family traditions
for generations to come.
Gale Klappa
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
We Energies
Photography by Grace Natoli Sheldon. Food styling by Jennifer Janz.
Contents
Mocha Truffle Cookies 4 Cinnamon Hearts 20
Nonna’s Nut Cake 4 State Fair Cherry Squares 20
Saltine Toffee Cookies 5 Grandma’s Cherry Chippers 22
Cocoa No-Bake Cookies 5 Raspberry Almond Squares 22
Mango Bars 6 Blueberry Drop Cookies 23
Chocolate Chip Caramel Sea Salt Cookies 7 Chocolate Pine Nut Cookies 23
Chewy Date Balls 7 Cucidata (Italian Fig Cookies) 24
Cowboy Cookies 8 Kourapiedes25
Kitchen Sink Cookies 8 Fruit and Cereal Chews 25
Almond Cookies 10 Pecan Crunch Cookies 26
Heavenly Delights 10 Date-Nut Filled Cookies 26
Koulourakia11 Hazelnut Skillet Cookies 28
Brownie Dump Bars 11 Peppermint Snowballs 28
Spanish Peanut Cookies 12 Mexican Wedding Cake Confections 29
Cherry Macaroon Puffs 13 World’s Best Cookie 29
Grandma Isabel’s Oatmeal Chip Cookies 13 Peanut Butter Crispy Balls 30
Grandma Mortson’s Date-Filled Cookies 15 Tennessee Whiskey Cookies 30
Kentucky Derby Tarts 15 Yuletide Kisses 31
New Orleans Mardi Gras Cookies 16 Sugar Plum Cookies 31
Banana-Maple Sugar Cookies 16 Melting Moments 32
Sweet Potato Brownies 17 Cherry Balls 32
Sue’s Coconut Chocolate Oaties 17 Mocha Oatmeal Shortbread33
Soft Molasses Cookies 18 Incredible-Edible Bar Cookies 33
Chocolate-Dipped Almond Spritz 18 Evie’s Cookies 35
Sour Cream Cashew Drops 19 Chocolate Butter Logs 35
Lemony Poppy Seed Wafers 19
Mocha Truffle Cookies
1/2 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs, beaten
MOBILE, ALABAMA 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Rick Kuester 2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In saucepan over low heat, melt butter and 1/2 cup
chocolate chips. Remove from heat; stir until smooth. Stir in coffee granules.
Cool for 5 minutes; stir in sugars, eggs and vanilla. In mixing bowl, combine flour,
cocoa, baking powder and salt; stir into coffee mixture just until blended. Stir
in remaining chips. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto lightly greased cookie
sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on cookie sheets for
1 minute, then transfer to wire cooling racks. Makes about 2 dozen.
4
Saltine Toffee Cookies
40 saltine cracker squares
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line 15 x 10-inch baking pan with heavy-duty
ER, ARIZONA
CHANDL aluminum foil. Arrange crackers in pan in single layer; set aside. In saucepan,
combine butter and brown sugar. Bring to boil over medium heat; cook and stir
Barbara Eckles for 3 minutes. Pour evenly over crackers. Bake at 400 degrees for 5 to 6 minutes.
Immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let stand for 5 minutes to melt
chocolate; spread to cover. Sprinkle with pecans; gently press into chocolate.
Refrigerate to cool and set chocolate. Break or cut into pieces. Makes about
3 dozen.
5
Mango Bars
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar; cut
ITOS, C A L I F O R N I A
LOS AL AM in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into 13 x 9-inch baking
pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes or until light brown; cool on wire
Jeanette Horio cooling rack. Spread Filling over prepared crust. Sprinkle with Topping. Return to
oven; bake for 50 minutes. Cool on wire cooling rack. Cut into bars. Makes about
2 dozen.
Filling
4 cups chopped mangoes
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
In saucepan, combine mangoes, sugar, water and lemon juice; cook until
mangoes are tender, about 10 minutes. In separate bowl, combine cornstarch
and cold water; stir into mango mixture and cook until thickened. Cool slightly.
Topping
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
In large bowl, combine oats, sugar and flour; cut in butter until mixture resembles
coarse crumbs.
6
Chocolate Chip Caramel
Sea Salt Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
TLE, C O L O R A D O 2 eggs
NEW CAS
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Chelsey Tesky 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1 (12-ounce) package miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 (11-ounce) package caramel bits
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add
eggs and vanilla; mix well. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder,
baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in chips and
caramel bits. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined cookie sheets.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on cookie sheets for 5 minutes,
then transfer to wire cooling racks. Makes about 4 dozen.
7
Cowboy Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
GTON, DELAWARE
WILMIN 1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Anna Skrupky
1/2 teaspoon salt
“Grandma Marge made these
2 cups old-fashioned oats
cookies all the time, and my mom
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
made sure we always had them
in the house as I was growing up. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars; beat in
Now that I’ve moved out, it’s still eggs and vanilla. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder
the most frequently made and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in oats and chocolate chips.
cookie in our house.” Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 375
degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on wire cooling racks. Makes about 3 dozen.
8
Sweet Potato Brownies (p. 17), Peanut Butter Crispy Balls (p. 30), Grandma’s Cherry Chippers (p. 22)
Almond Cookies
1 cup butter or margarine
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
3 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
DELTONA, FLORIDA 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Carol Dohr Spitza 3/4 cup slivered almonds
In mixing bowl, cream margarine and sugars. Add eggs, beating until well
combined. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and cinnamon; add
to creamed mixture, mixing well. Stir in almonds. Form dough into six 1-inch
diameter logs; refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Slice logs into 1/4-inch slices; place on greased
cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire cooling
racks. Makes about 10 dozen.
Heavenly Delights
1 cup butter, softened
2-2/3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Dash salt
MACON, GEORGIA 1-1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 (16-ounce) package miniature marshmallows
Merle Byrd
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In saucepan, heat butter and cocoa until butter
“The moist chocolate with
is melted. Remove from heat; cool 5 minutes. In mixing bowl, combine cocoa
the gooey marshmallows
mixture, sugar, eggs, flour and salt; stir in pecans. Pour into greased 15 x 10-inch
and creamy chocolate
baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven; sprinkle
icing is incredible!” with marshmallows to completely cover top. Return to oven for an additional 2 to 3
minutes or until marshmallows are puffed. Cool on wire cooling rack. Spread Icing
over top. Cut into bars. Makes about 4 dozen.
Icing
6 tablespoons butter
4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3-3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
In saucepan, heat butter and cocoa until butter is melted. Remove from heat;
whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla. Gradually stir in milk until smooth.
10
Koulourakia
2 cups butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
3 tablespoons whiskey, optional
7 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
HONOLULU, HAWAII 3 teaspoons baking powder
Bill Mastoris 1/4 cup milk
2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon water
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, optional
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In mixing bowl, using electric mixer, cream butter,
sugar and oil until creamy and doubled in volume, about 10 to 12 minutes. Beat in
eggs; add whiskey, if using. In separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder;
gradually add to creamed mixture, alternating with milk. Roll tablespoonfuls of
dough into 4-inch ropes; form ropes into circles and/or braids. In another separate
bowl, whisk egg whites and water; brush over cookies. Sprinkle with sesame
seeds, if using. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 22 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cool on wire cooling racks. Makes about 6 dozen.
11
Spanish Peanut Cookies
1 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
INDIAN HEAD PARK, ILLINOIS
1 teaspoon baking powder
Mary Uhrina 1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup flaked wheat or corn cereal
1 cup salted Spanish peanuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar.
Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. In separate bowl, combine flour, oats, baking
powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture. Stir in cereal and peanuts. Roll
heaping teaspoonfuls of dough into balls; place on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake
at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on cookie sheets for 1 minute, then
transfer to wire cooling racks. Drizzle with Caramel Topping. Makes about 3 dozen.
Caramel Topping
32 caramels, unwrapped
1 tablespoon water
In microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and water. Microwave for 2-1/2 to
3 minutes, stirring at 1-minute intervals until caramels are melted; stir until smooth.
12
Cherry Macaroon Puffs
1 (8-ounce) package almond paste (not pastry filling)
2 cups powdered sugar
2 egg whites, unbeaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red and green candied cherries, finely chopped
FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In mixing bowl, combine almond paste and
Alexis Adsit powdered sugar. Add egg whites and vanilla; beat until smooth. Drop by level
“My mother lives in teaspoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined cookie sheets; top with cherry pieces.
Wisconsin and always picks Bake at 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool completely before removing from paper.
up a Cookie Book for me!” Makes about 6 dozen.
Grandma Isabel’s
Oatmeal Chip Cookies
3/4 cup margarine
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
ELMA, IOWA 1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Jane Prom
1 teaspoon baking soda
“I can still picture myself
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
in the old kitchen making
3 cups all-purpose flour
cookies with mom.
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
I remember getting to
1 cup quick-cooking oats
roll these in sugar and
1 cup crisp rice cereal
making a big mess!”
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In mixing bowl, cream margarine, oil and sugars.
Add egg, vanilla, baking soda and cream of tartar; mix well. In separate bowl,
combine flour, coconut, oats, cereal and chips; add gradually to creamed mixture.
Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten slightly
with bottom of glass. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on wire
cooling racks. Makes about 5 dozen.
13
Blueberry Drop Cookies (p. 23), Saltine Toffee Cookies (p. 5), Cherry Macaroon Puffs (p. 13)
Grandma Mortson’s
Date-Filled Cookies
1 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups brown sugar, packed
3 eggs
CE, KANSAS 1 tablespoon hot water
LAWREN
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
P ete W y m a n 3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for rolling
“Grandma Mortson always 1 teaspoon baking soda
kept a glass jar stocked with 1/4 teaspoon salt
these delicious cookies.
Enjoying them during the In mixing bowl, cream shortening and brown sugar. Add eggs, water and vanilla;
mix well. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed
holiday season brings back
mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
fond memories of childhood
and visits to Grandma’s house Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch
in Elderon, Wisconsin.” thickness; cut with 2-1/4-inch cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased
cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 9 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool
on wire cooling racks. Spread bottoms of half the cookies with teaspoonfuls of
Date Filling; top with remaining cookies to create sandwiches. Makes about 4 dozen.
Date Filling
2 cups chopped dates
1 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
In saucepan, combine dates, water and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, until dates
are softened and mixture becomes thick. Remove from heat; cool completely.
15
New Orleans Mardi Gras Cookies
1 cup butter, softened 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
1-1/4 cups granulated sugar, 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
divided 1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
divided 1/2 teaspoon salt
3 egg yolks Gold, green and purple sprinkles,
EANS, LOUISIANA 1 tablespoon honey optional
NEW ORL 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bernetta Matthews Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In mixing bowl, cream butter, 1 cup sugar and
1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Add egg yolks, honey and extracts; mix well. In
separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cream of tartar and salt; gradually
add to creamed mixture, mixing well. In shallow bowl, combine remaining sugar
and cinnamon. Shape rounded tablespoonfuls of dough into logs; roll in cinnamon-
sugar mixture. Loosely coil into spiral shapes. Place 1-inch apart on greased cookie
sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire cooling racks. Drizzle
cooled cookies with Icing; decorate with sprinkles, if desired. (Note: cookies may
be decorated with sprinkles before baking, if desired.) Makes about 3 dozen.
Icing
2 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup warm water 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
In medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, water, vanilla and lemon juice
until smooth.
16
Sweet Potato Brownies
1/4 cup butter, softened 4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cooked, mashed sweet 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
potato 1/2 cup chopped pecans, plus
1 teaspoon vanilla extract additional for garnish
, MARYLAN Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar; beat in
COLUMBIA D sweet potato and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
In separate bowl, combine flour and cinnamon; add to sweet potato mixture,
Mary Anne Rhoades mixing well. Stir in pecans. Pour into greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake at
“Sweet potato gives the 300 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out
traditional brownie a nice clean. Cool completely on wire cooling rack. Spread with Cream Cheese Frosting;
twist. Pecans and cream sprinkle with additional pecans. Cut into bars. Makes about 18.
cheese frosting add
another unique touch.“ Cream Cheese Frosting
1/3 cup butter, softened 1 cup powdered sugar
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
In mixing bowl, cream butter and cream cheese. Add powdered sugar; beat until
smooth.
17
Soft Molasses Cookies
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar, plus additional for topping
1/2 cup dark molasses
2 eggs, lightly beaten
4 cups all-purpose flour
NORWAY, MICHIGAN 2-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
Marybeth Negro 2-1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
“This has become a holiday 1-1/4 teaspoons ground cloves
classic and is just one of an 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
assortment of cookies and 1/4 teaspoon salt
candy my family makes each In mixing bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in
Christmas and gives as gifts.” molasses and eggs. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cloves,
cinnamon and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for
2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Shape dough into 1-1/2-inch balls; dip tops in
sugar. Place 2-1/2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees
for 10 to 11 minutes. Cool on wire cooling racks. Makes about 5 dozen.
18
Sour Cream Cashew Drops
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
MADISON, M I S S I S S I P P I 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
Marilyn Valentine 1/4 teaspoon salt
“Holiday greetings from 1/2 cup sour cream
a retired employee in 1-1/2 cups chopped salted cashews
Mississippi!” Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar; beat in
egg and vanilla. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda
and salt; add to creamed mixture. Add sour cream and cashews; mix well. Drop
teaspoonfuls of dough onto greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 9 to
11 minutes. Cool on wire cooling racks. Frost with Easy Butterscotch Frosting.
Makes about 5 dozen.
19
Cinnamon Hearts
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
BOZEMAN, M O N T A N A
In mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a
Margaret Rau time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla; mix well. In separate bowl,
“I love living in Montana, combine flour and cinnamon; gradually add to creamed mixture. Beat until well
but Wisconsin will always combined. Chill dough for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
be in my heart, especially Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. On lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch
around the holidays.“ thickness; cut with 2-inch heart-shaped cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased
cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes or until set. Cool on wire
cooling racks. Makes about 6 dozen.
Icing
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons hot water
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
In medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, water and extract until smooth.
20
Cocoa No-Bake Cookies (p. 5), Peppermint Snowballs (p. 28), Mango Bars (p. 6)
Grandma’s Cherry Chippers
2 cups butter, softened
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
2 egg yolks
2 teaspoons almond extract
4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
LAS VEGAS, N E V A D A 1 (12-ounce) package cherry-flavored baking chips
1-1/2 cups crushed cornflakes
Michelle Fogl-Hribar
“I am a former We Energies Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In mixing bowl, cream butter and 1 cup sugar;
employee who moved to a warmer beat in egg yolks and extract. In separate bowl, combine flour and salt; add to
climate, but the taste of these butter mixture beating until smooth. Stir in chips and cornflakes. Shape into 1-inch
cookies from my grandmother balls; place on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten lightly with fork; sprinkle lightly
makes me think of the holiday with 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on wire
cooling racks. Makes about 5 dozen.
season in Wisconsin.”
22
Blueberry Drop Cookies
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1-1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 teaspoon almond extract
TON, N E W J E R S E
PRINCE Y 2 cups all-purpose flour
Paul Daniels 2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh blueberries
In mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add egg, milk, zest and extract; mix
well. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed
mixture. Fold in blueberries. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie
sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes. Cool on cookie sheets for
5 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling racks. Makes about 4 dozen.
23
Cucidata (Italian Fig Cookies)
1 cup butter, softened 5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder
2 eggs 1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sour cream 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Sprinkles
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream and vanilla; mix
Jean Gaudio well. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Add to creamed mixture. Divide dough into quarters; wrap each in plastic wrap.
“This is one of the best Refrigerate for 2 hours.
recipes for this type of
cookie that I’ve ever had.” Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. On floured surface, roll portion of dough into a
16 x 6-inch rectangle. Spread 1 cup Filling lengthwise down center. Starting
at long side, fold dough over filling; fold other side over top. Pinch seams and
edges to seal. Cut diagonally into 3/4-inch wide strips. Place seam side down
on parchment paper-lined cookie sheets. Repeat with remaining dough. Bake at
350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool on wire cooling racks. Dip tops of cooled cookies
in Icing and decorate with sprinkles. Makes about 4 dozen.
Filling
1 pound dried figs 1/4 cup apricot brandy
3/4 cup raisins Juice and zest of 1 orange
3/4 cup whole pitted dates 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup ground walnuts 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 cup ground almonds 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup ground hazelnuts 1/4 teaspoon ground black
3/4 cup bottle honey pepper
In food processor, combine figs, raisins, dates and nuts in batches; pulse until
combined. In Dutch oven, combine fig mixture, honey, brandy, orange juice, zest
and spices. Cook, stirring occasionally over medium heat until liquid is absorbed.
Cool to room temperature.
Icing
3-3/4 cups powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons butter, melted 3 to 4 tablespoons milk
In large bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter and vanilla; gradually add milk until
desired consistency.
24
Kourapiedes
2 cups unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
NORTH CAROLINA
RALEIGH, 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Mary Grace White Powdered sugar
“This is an old family recipe Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar and baking
that my Aunt Irene gave me powder. Add egg, juice and vanilla; mix well. Gradually add flour. Shape
40 years ago. She translated it teaspoonfuls of dough into balls; place on work surface. Press down center
from the original Greek as we of each ball with finger; fill indentation with 1/2 teaspoon Filling. Shape into
made them together.” oval; pinch tops to seal, forming ridge across top. Place on parchment paper-
lined cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes. Carefully transfer
cookies to waxed or parchment paper dusted with powdered sugar. Sift additional
powdered sugar over tops of cookies while still warm. Makes about 5 dozen.
Filling:
1 cup finely chopped pecans
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
In small bowl, combine pecans and cinnamon.
25
Pecan Crunch Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup crushed potato chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 cups all-purpose flour
BRUNSWICK, O H I O Colored sugar, candied cherry or pecan halves, optional
Betty Wroblewski Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar and vanilla.
“The chips make the Add chips and pecans. Stir in flour. Roll tablespoonfuls of dough into balls; place
cookie moist, and I always on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten with bottom of glass dipped in sugar. If
like using different color desired, decorate with colored sugar, cherry or pecan halves. Bake at 350 degrees
sugar crystals depending for 11 to 14 minutes. Cool on wire cooling racks. Makes about 4 dozen.
on the occasion.”
Date-Nut Filling
1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
In saucepan, combine dates, sugar, nuts, water and lemon juice. Cook, stirring
frequently, until thick. Remove from heat; cool completely.
26
Raspberry Almond Squares (p. 22), Chocolate Butter Logs (p. 35), Lemony Poppy Seed Wafers (p. 19)
Hazelnut Skillet Cookies
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
PORTLAND, OREGON 1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Emily Brink Horak 1/2 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In mixing bowl, beat butter and sugars until
well combined. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. In separate bowl, combine flour,
baking soda and salt. Add to butter mixture; mix just until combined. Fold in chips
and nuts. Spread into ungreased 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Bake at 350 degrees
for 25 to 30 minutes or until center is set. Transfer skillet to wire rack; let cool
for 15 to 20 minutes. Cut into wedges; serve warm. Makes 8 or more wedges
depending on how thinly cut.
Peppermint Snowballs
2 cups butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
LES, P E N N S Y L V A N I A 8 ounces white almond bark, chopped
NORTH WA
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Diana Sundar
In mixing bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar; stir in vanilla. Gradually add flour.
Stir in pecans. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours or until dough is easy to handle.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Shape dough into 1/2-inch balls; place on ungreased
baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 16 to 18 minutes. Cool on wire cooling racks.
In microwave, melt almond bark, stirring until smooth. Dip top of each cookie into
melted bark; sprinkle with crushed candies. Place on waxed or parchment paper until
set. Makes about 8 dozen.
28
Mexican Wedding Cake
Confections
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
ND, R H O D E I S L A N 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
CUMBERLA D
2 cups all-purpose flour
Arzoomanian
K a t h l e en 3/4 cup chopped nuts
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In mixing bowl, cream butter; gradually add
sugar. Blend in salt, vanilla and flour. Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into
balls; place in small paper candy liners on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350
degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on wire cooling racks. Frost with Browned
Butter Frosting; sprinkle with nuts. Makes about 6 dozen.
29
Peanut Butter Crispy Balls
1 (16-ounce) jar peanut butter
2 cups crisp rice cereal
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
ON, SOUTH DAKOTA
YANKT In mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, cereal, powdered sugar and vanilla
Margie Shore (mixture will be stiff); cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
“My mother and I always made In microwave, melt chips and oil; stir until smooth. Shape cereal mixture into
these for picnics and church 1-inch balls; dip into melted chocolate. Place on waxed or parchment paper until
dinners. They are easy and fun set; chill until ready to serve. Makes about 4 dozen.
to make any time of the year, but
especially during the holidays.”
30
Yuletide Kisses
3 egg whites, room temperature
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
2-1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans
TY
LEAGUE CI , T E X A S Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. In mixing bowl, beat egg whites and salt until
foamy; beat in cream of tartar. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after
Kathy Barbian each addition. Continue beating until very stiff peaks form, about 4 to 5 minutes.
“I copied this recipe from Blend in vanilla. Fold in pecans. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined
my mother-in-law, but it cookie sheets. Bake at 275 degrees for 16 to 19 minutes. Cool on wire cooling
could very well be an old racks. Makes about 5 dozen.
Cookie Book recipe.”
Butter Frosting
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk or cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In bowl, blend all ingredients; beat until smooth.
31
Melting Moments
1 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cornstarch
H, V E R M O N T
NORWIC In mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar and salt. In separate bowl, combine flour and
cornstarch; gradually add to creamed mixture. Shape into 1-1/2-inch balls; chill for
Martha Candon 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place dough balls on ungreased cookie sheets; let
stand for 10 minutes. Flatten slightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 16 minutes or
until bottoms are golden brown. Cool on cookie sheets for 2 minutes, then transfer
to wire racks to cool completely. Spread with Icing. Makes about 2 dozen.
Icing
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons half-and-half cream
1 teaspoon almond extract
In small bowl, beat butter, sugar, cream and extract until smooth.
Cherry Balls
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
WOODBRIDGE, V I R G I N I A 1-1/3 cup moist, flaked coconut
24 maraschino cherries, halved
Catherine Dohr Watts
“As an Army wife, I have In mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and extract; mix well. Add flour
always enjoyed sharing my and salt; mix well. Fold in coconut; combine well. Cover and refrigerate at least
family Christmas cookies with 1 hour.
friends around the world. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Roll pieces of dough into small balls; place on
Most of my favorite recipes ungreased cookie sheets. Gently press cherry half onto top of each ball. Bake
are from past Cookie Books.“ at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on wire cooling racks. Makes about
4 dozen.
32
Mocha Oatmeal Shortbread
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
ASHINGTON
SEATTLE, W 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
Andrew Brink Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, sugar,
coffee and salt. Add butter and vanilla; mix until well blended. Mix in oats until
combined. Press into ungreased 9-inch square baking pan; prick with fork. Bake at
325 degrees for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Drizzle with Mocha Topping;
cut into squares. Let cool in pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling rack.
Makes about 3 dozen.
Mocha Topping
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon butter
1/2 teaspoon instant coffee powder
In microwave-safe bowl, combine chips and butter; microwave for 1 minute at
20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chocolate is melted. Stir in
coffee powder until smooth.
33
Yuletide Kisses (p. 31), Cucidata (p. 24), Chocolate Pine Nut Cookies (p. 23)
Evie’s Cookies
1-1/2 cups butter, softened
1-1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
ORN E R S, W I S C O N S I N
HALES C 1 teaspoon salt
Evelyn Schubert 2 cups finely crushed cornflakes
“I developed this recipe for 3/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut
my church group. Everyone 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
loved it and asked for a copy. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In mixing bowl, cream butter and 1 cup sugar; add
But I wanted to submit it to egg and vanilla and mixing well. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder
be considered for the Cookie and salt. Add to creamed mixture; beat until combined. Stir in cornflakes, coconut
Book before I shared it!” and walnuts. Shape tablespoonfuls of dough into balls; roll in remaining sugar.
Place on ungreased cookie sheets; flatten with fork in criss-cross pattern. Bake at
350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes about 6 dozen.
35
To download a copy of this book or
find additional recipes, visit us at
www.we-energies.com/recipes.