White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies (Soft & Chewy) There are certain smells that just announce that Christmas has arrived. For some, it’s fresh pine needles. For me, it is the deep, rich aroma of molasses and ginger baking in a hot oven. While I love a classic, snappy gingerbread man, my heart truly belongs to…

Christmas Cookie Box Ideas: My 2018 Cookie Map (The Vintage Year) Every holiday season, right when the flour starts flying and the kitchen counters disappear under a layer of powdered sugar, I do one thing that keeps me sane. I make a Cookie Map. It has become a non-negotiable tradition for me. Before I pack…

Italian Wine Cookies (Crunchy Anise & White Wine Recipe) These are Wine Cookies (or in Italy, Ciambelline al Vino). This is a recipe passed down from Elaine Campanaro Falatico  and it is a true vintage gem. They are what I call a “grown-up cookie.” They aren’t overly sweet or soft; instead, they are crunchy, aromatic,…

Oatmeal Craisin Cookies (Chewy Cranberry & White Chocolate) When you look at my 2018 Cookie Map, spot #16 might look a bit humble compared to the fancy Pignoli Cookies or the colorful Fruit Ribbons. But do not underestimate the power of a really good drop cookie. These Oatmeal Craisin Cookies are the “comfort food” of…

Authentic Pignoli Cookies (Italian Pine Nut Macaroons) If you grew up in an Italian-American household, you know that the Pignoli Cookie is royalty. Sitting at spot #15 on my 2018 Cookie Map, this is the cookie that usually disappears first—or is hidden away for the “special” guests. Why? Because they are luxurious. Made almost entirely…

Cherry Almond Biscotti (Crispy Holiday Recipe) If there is one cookie on my 2018 Cookie Map that doubles as breakfast, it’s this one. Sitting proudly at spot #10 is the Cherry Almond Biscotti. This recipe is actually adapted from a “Cake Boss” classic, but I’ve tweaked it over the years to get the texture just…

Jelly Stick Cookies (Bakery Style Almond Sandwich Recipe) If you have ever walked into an old-school Italian bakery and stared at the case of cookies by the pound, you know exactly what these are. They are tender, buttery, slightly crumbly, and packed with that distinct, luxurious almond flavor. On my 2018 Cookie Map, these held…

Fruit Ribbon Cookies (Easy Slice-and-Bake) If you have been following my Cookie Map journey, you know that every year starts with a plan. In 2018, the very first spot on my map—Cookie #1—went to these beautiful Fruit Ribbon Cookies. Some of you might know them as “Split Seconds” or simple Jelly Ribbons, but in my…

Pumpkin Pie Tassies (Mini Pies with Cream Cheese Crust) There is a moment every Thanksgiving when I look at the dessert table and think, “I want a slice of everything, but I physically cannot eat five slices of pie.” This is why I am completely obsessed with “Tassies.” These bite-sized, two-bite wonders allow you to…

Christmas Pinwheel Sugar Cookies (Festive Red & Green Swirls) There is something hypnotic about a tray of perfectly swirled pinwheel cookies. They look so impressive, almost like something you’d buy at a fancy bakery, but they are actually just a clever twist on a classic slice-and-bake. For my annual friend Christmas party this year, I…