Fourth Annual Cookie Exchange 2015

Decorated cookies inspiration by Tidy Mom

I will never have people bring appetizers again. Too much work for everyone, the party is at 1:00 anyways. Next year is going to be bring two dozens and go get your cookies everyone.   Very simple.  And the ornament exchange will stay the same (white elephant).

3rd Annual Cookie Exchange

Cookie Exchange 2017

3rd Annual Cookie Exchange 2014

We had so many good cookies, bars and fudge this year.  I am so glad I decided to add bars and candy to the selection, especially since Saltine Toffee is my favorite.

Below:
Teresa's Saltine Toffee and Ione's gingerbread cookies.

I filled a piping bag with 1 cup creamy peanut butter.

Next, I piped it on one ritz cracker and put another ritz cracker on top.  Making a ritz cracker sandwich.  Meanwhile I melted chocolate chips in my mini crock pot.  When all the chocolate was melted I dipped as much of the ritz sandwich as possible.  Then I topped with a (crushed ritz cracker). There is usually a small corner where my finger was that doesn't have chocolate, I use a knife and just spread the chocolate on the missed spots. 

Christmas 2017

Fourth Annual Cookie Exchange 

K Train's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies

I don't know K-Train but I do like her cookies.

 My husband thinks they are the best.  Linda brought them to, "The 3rd Annual Cookie Exchange," and was nice enough to share this recipe.  I hear the Snicker Doodles are amazing so hopefully you will get that recipe next year from the 4th Annual cookie exchange.  

 I will definitely make these cookies the next time I need a chocolate chip cookie fix. 

Pizzelles

I need to make sure I see Katie every December for now on, I am noticing a trend with her.  If I am having any kind of baking party she brings these delicious little goodies.   I don't have a pizzelle iron so I know that the only way I am going to get one of these cookies is to make sure I keep having Cookie Exchanges.    I hope you have had a Pizzelle or can try one someday.

Ingredients

3eggs

3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

Directions

1. In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla. Sift together the flour and baking powder, and blend into the batter until smooth.
2. Heat the pizzelle iron, and brush with oil. Drop about one tablespoon of batter onto each circle on the iron. You may need to experiment with the amount of batter and baking time depending on the iron. Bake for 20 to 45 seconds, or until steam is no longer coming out of the iron. Carefully remove cookies from the iron. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
3. For chocolate pizzelles, add 1/4 cup cocoa sifted together with flour and baking powder, 1/4 cup more sugar and 1/4 teaspoon more baking powder. I find that for the chocolate mixture, the iron must be well oiled to start and then brush on more as needed.

recipe from Allrecipe