
It’s Cookie Exchange time!!
Well, almost. Our festivities are scheduled for this Saturday, and I’ve gathered so many recipes in preparation over the past few weeks. I’ve had a really hard time narrowing down what I really and truly want to contribute. I kept coming back to this recipe from Betty Crocker.
I was completely sold on the edible ornament idea, and I think they turned out great! Let me give you a few tips that are not mentioned anywhere in the Betty Crocker instructions. Don’t get me wrong, this a great recipe that will point you in the right direction. I just think they could have elaborated a bit more to save us hardworkin’ home bakers a bit of frustration.
- First of all, bake these on parchment. I lightly greased my baking sheet, and they stuck. Must be the molasses, methinks.
- The string (top) hole I punched with a straw, the other slightly larger hole should be made with a bottle cap, or even the large end of a piping tip.
- Said holes will want to close up as the cookies bake. After about 10 minutes of baking time, take them out and re-punch holes. I know, it’s a pain – but look how they turned out! Put them back in 5-10 more minutes until done.
- A standard pretzel stick broken in half makes the perfect size perch.
Wouldn’t these be cute (sans bird perch and hole) decorated as Black-Forest inspired Cuckoo clocks? I think I may try that next, now that I know what I’m doing!
This gingerbread cookie has a strong spicy flavor, and the molasses gives it durability. It is a hard cookie, but delicious and very edible. Use only for one season, as ornaments. They are meant to be eaten, but are strong enough to endure a December on the tree.
Many, many more cookie recipes to come!

This is the cutest cookie! I love it! You did such a beautiful job!