My Favorite Holiday Cookies

In need of a new cookie tradition in your family? Going to a holiday party and want to impress the crowd? Try one of these recipes -- you won't be disappointed!

1) Ginger Crinkle Cookies
Even if you're not a huge fan of ginger snaps or molasses cookies, you'll like these! And to boot, they're as healthy as a good cookie can get.
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/ginger_crinkle_cookies.html

2) Popcorn Balls
1 10-oz bag marshmallows
1 tbsp butter
3 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 cup raisins (I like golden raisins)
1/2 cup unsalted peanuts
10-12 cups popcorn (unsalted & unbuttered)

Melt butter, peanut butter, and marshmallows together in a pot over low heat on the stove. Stir constantly so the mixture doesnt't burn. When melted & smooth, remove from heat and pour in popcorn, nuts & raisins. Quickly form into about 12 balls.

3) Sugar Cookies with Candy Cane Frosting
First, make these old-fashioned sugar cookies:
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/old-fashioned-sugar-cookies?autonomy_kw=sugar%20cookies&rsc=rf_result1
Then, make this frosting:
3/4 cup sugar
3 large egg whites
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into tablespoons
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
1/4 cup crushed candy canes (or other peppermint candies)

1. In a heatproof mixer bowl set over a pot of simmering water, whisk together sugar and egg whites until sugar is dissolved and mixture is very warm to the touch, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Beat on medium speed until completely cooled and stiff peaks have formed, about 10 minutes.
2. With mixer on medium speed, add butter a few tablespoons at a time until completely combined. Add peppermint extract. Beat on low speed until smooth, about 5 minutes. Fold in candy cane pieces.
3. Frost cookies once they are completely cool.

4) Coconut Biscotti
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1041878 After these cool completely, dip half of them into melted dark chocolate and place on wax paper to harden. (For the dip I just melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave, in 20 second intervals -- takes less than 1 min -- then stir til smooth)

5) Grandma Dixie's Homemade Oreos
These are my grandma's invention, so when you take them to a party and get rave reviews (believe me, you will) please share that they're from Grandma Dixie :)

2 packages Devil's Food cake mix (18 oz each)
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1 8-oz package low-fat cream cheese
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted, or whisked to get rid of lumps)
1 teaspoon vanilla

Heat oven to 350 degrees

Beat eggs, cake mix, and oil. Roll into small balls, and place on
ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with fingers and bake 8-10 min.

Mix cream cheese, butter and vanilla until smooth. Add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time. When consistency is like a fluffy frosting, its done. Spread a hefty spoonful on the bottom of one cookie and place another similar-sized cookie on top.

Note: this makes a LOT of cookies!