Birdhouse Ornament Cookies

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!