{"id":404251,"date":"2018-02-09T23:21:50","date_gmt":"2018-02-09T23:21:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=404251"},"modified":"2022-01-12T14:11:50","modified_gmt":"2022-01-12T20:11:50","slug":"we-tried-pan-bang-cookies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/we-tried-pan-bang-cookies\/","title":{"rendered":"We Tried Internet Famous Pan-Bang Chocolate Chip Cookies (and Loved Them!)"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to chocolate chip cookies, I'm all about trying every single iteration in efforts to find the best version of the classic cookie. In my day, I've come across some really good recipes (like these!<\/a>), but these drop cookies all follow the same method: cream, mix and bake.\r\n\r\nBut recently I stumbled upon an an internet phenomenon that goes one step further than basic drop cookies: pan bang cookies. This cookie, created by Sarah Kieffer of the Vanilla Bean Blog<\/a>, takes chocolate chip cookies to a new level by literally banging the cookie sheet in the oven to create ripply, crispy chocolate chippers. When I saw this fresh take, I knew that I had to try it for myself. After all, I've tried every other chocolate chip cookie recipe\u2014maybe this one would be my new favorite.\r\n\r\n \r\nThe Internet Famous Recipe<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nAny baker knows that all chocolate chip cookie recipes have nearly identical ingredients\u2014typically it's just the proportions that differ. And looking at the famous pan bang cookie recipe, I noticed the normal cast of characters: butter, eggs, sugar, brown sugar, flour.\r\n\r\nHere's exactly what you need to mix up these pan banging cookies:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n2 cups all-purpose flour\r\n1 cup butter, softened\r\n1 egg\r\n1\u00bd cups granulated sugar\r\n\u00bc cup packed brown sugar\r\n2 tablespoons water\r\n1\u00bd teaspoons pure vanilla extract\r\n\u00be teaspoon salt\r\n\u00bd teaspoon baking soda\r\n6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped into bite-size pieces\r\n\r\nYields 12 cookies<\/em>\r\n\r\nNow you may have noticed a few differences between this and your standard Tollhouse recipe. What stood out to me was the addition of water and also using chopped chocolate instead of chips. But there's certainly a method to all this madness, so let's get into it!\r\n\r\n \r\nPrepping for Pan Banging<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\nMixing up these cookies is just like any other standard drop cookie. First, cream together sugars and butter. Once light and fluffy, add vanilla, egg and water. When those ingredients are incorporated, mix in your dry components: flour, salt and baking soda. Finish it all off by stirring in the chopped up chocolate.\r\n\r\nNow, the standard protocol for these cookies is over! Rather than lining a baking tray with parchment, the recipe recommends lining your cookie sheet with aluminum foil\u2014dull side up\u2014for crispier cookies. That was easy enough for me. The recipe goes on: Instead of dropping dough by the tablespoon onto the sheet, it recommends a whopping 1\/3 cup of dough per cookie. I love cookies, so the bigger the better. Knowing that these would spread after wiggling, jiggling and banging the pan, I played it safe and only scooped two per sheet.\u00a0Spoiler alert:\u00a0<\/em>This was the right idea.\r\n\r\nNow, these cookies weren't ready for baking (or pan banging) quite yet. Before popping them into a 350\u00baF oven, they require a 15 minute stay in the freezer.\r\n\r\n \r\nThe Bake<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nAfter their time in the freezer, these cookies go into a 350\u00baF oven for 10 minutes. During this time, the cookies spread a lot\u2014like a lot a lot. I'm glad that I stuck with my baking instincts and only put two on each sheet, otherwise I'd be dealing with a real mess (but I wasn't too worried\u2014we've got this great hack for cleaning up even the dirtiest pans<\/a>).\r\n\r\nOnce those 10 minutes were up, the recipe told me do something so counterintuitive to me: bang the pan against the oven rack. I'd never heard of this method in any other chocolate chip recipe (or any other recipe, for that matter). But I went ahead and grabbed the cookie sheet with some hot pads and gave it a few good whacks on the wire rack. Right away I could see that the bit of puffiness and lift the cookies had, disappeared. I could also see a few ripples forming around the edge. I was on the right track.\r\n\r\nOf course one ripple does not make perfectly crinkly cookies. So every two minutes for the next six to eight minutes (that's a total baking time of 16-18 minutes\u201416 for chewier cookies, 18 for crispy), I repeated this pan banging method. Each time I could see a new ripple form.\r\n\r\nOnce out of the oven, let them cool five minutes on the cookie sheet before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.\r\n\r\n \r\nThe Instagram-worthy Results<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\nPulling these out of the oven, I was pretty impressed with how they looked. First and foremost, these cookies were giant\u2014at least the size of a saucer. When it comes to cookies, I'm a firm believer that bigger is better. What I noticed next was how beautiful that ripply pattern looked and how tempting those bits of chopped chocolate were peeking through the dough. It turns out that taking that extra step to chop chocolate, rather than using chips, helped give the cookies their beautiful texture (chips would have interfered with the crinkling).\r\n\r\nBut enough about the look. How do these giant cookies taste? Well, I suppose it goes without saying that these cookies were tasty (aren't they all?). The rippled edges were super crisp\u2014perfect for crunchy cookie lovers. And the center was just a touch chewy, giving me (and my taste-testing friends) the best of both worlds. For those looking for a cookie that's crisp through and through, I'd recommend baking them the full 18 minutes; if you like that bit of softness in the middle like me, don't go over 16.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOverall, I'd say that these pan bang cookies were a successful addition to my chocolate chip cookie repertoire.\u00a0 Full of pretty ripples and hand-chopped chocolate, these look a lot like something you might find at nice bakery. Also, let's not forget that size! The only drawback to these giant cookies is how much babysitting they require. The freezing, the banging, the getting up every two minutes to rattle the pan\u2014it can be a lot if you're just looking to whip up a quick recipe. So my recommendation is to save this one for a lazy Sunday afternoon so you can relax and enjoy the process (and the results!). In the end, though, I'd say these pan bang cookies are a must-keep recipe! Check out more of Sarah Kieffer's work at, The Vanilla Bean Blog<\/a>.\r\n\r\nCraving comfort food in a hurry? Grab a box! We snagged seven to find the best boxed mac and cheese<\/a>.\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGet more must-have cookie recipes.<\/div>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t1 \/ 44<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t[dam-video dam-id=\"47801\" type_of_player=\"jw\" \/]\r\nJumbo Brownie Cookies<\/a>\r\nTotal Time:\u00a0<\/strong>35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients: <\/strong>Chocolate baking chips, chocolate chunks, butter, eggs, all-purpose flour\r\nLevel:\u00a0<\/strong>Intermediate\r\nGo to Recipe<\/a><\/span>\r\nGet your essential cookie-baking supplies<\/a> ready to make these cookie recipes. Then, make these deeply fudgy cookies for any party or potluck\u2014or just for you. The trick is adding a little espresso powder to the dough to really bring out the chocolate flavor.\r\n\r\nTake these deeply fudgy cookies to a party, and you're sure to make a friend. A little espresso powder in the dough makes them over-the-top good. \u2014Recipe contributor Rebecca Cababa, Las Vegas, Nevada<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 25 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, eggs\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nAn easy recipe made with pantry staples, this is the kind of cookie to whip out when you just feel like making cookies. Readers suggest using natural peanut butter for a more peanut-y taste and trying pressing it with a glass with a decorative bottom instead of crisscrossing it with a fork.\r\n\r\nMy mother insisted that my grandmother write down one recipe for her when Mom got married in 1942: the how to make peanut butter cookies from scratch recipe. That was a real effort because Grandma was a traditional pioneer-type cook who used a little of this or that until it felt right. This treasured recipe is the only one she ever wrote down! \u2014Recipe contributor Janet Hall, Clinton, Wisconsin<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Vanilla Meringue Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 1 hour\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Egg whites, cream of tartar, sugar\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nMeringue cookies are delightfully sweet and light, and they can be made into so many different flavors (although vanilla is just perfect). If you haven\u2019t worked with meringue too much, there are lots of helpful tips\u2014like making sure the egg whites are room temperature\u2014to make these just right.\r\n\r\nThese sweet little swirls are light as can be. They're all you need after a big, special dinner. \u2014Recipe contributor Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>First-Place Coconut Macaroons<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 30 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Sweetened coconut, egg whites, flour, sugar\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nWhen baking coconut macaroons, it\u2019s important to control the moisture so they don\u2019t spread too much on the cookie sheet. You\u2019ll have nice and craggy, chewy cookies in no time.\r\n\r\nThese coconut macaroon cookies earned me a first-place ribbon at the county fair. They remain my husband's favorites\u2014whenever I make them to give away, he always asks me where his batch is! I especially like that this recipe makes a small enough batch for the two of us to nibble on. \u2014Recipe contributor Penny Ann Habeck, Shawano, Wisconsin<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Peppermint Meltaways<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 40 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Peppermint extract, peppermint candies, confectioners' sugar\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThese festive cookies are a great addition to any Christmas cookie platter or gift box. And it\u2019s right there in the name: These little pepperminty treats simply melt in your mouth.\r\n\r\nThis recipe for peppermint meltaways is very pretty and festive-looking on a cookie platter. I often cover a plate of these peppermint cookies with red or green plastic wrap and a bright holiday bow in one corner. And yes, they really do melt in your mouth! \u2014Recipe contributor Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies<\/a>Peanut butter blossom cookies are a classic for a reason! When you nestle a chocolate kiss into a chewy and soft peanut butter cookie, you create a holiday cookie that's hard not to love.Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Coffee Shortbread<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Instant coffee granules, semisweet chocolate chips, white baking chips\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nA crisp, buttery coffee-flavored shortbread drizzled with white and semisweet chocolate is like a morning mocha in cookie form. To keep the dough from sticking on the counter or your rolling pin, tuck it between two sheets of parchment paper for easy smoothing.\r\n\r\nWhen you need a treat for brunch, bake some of these coffee-flavored shortbreads. The chocolate drizzle is surprisingly easy to do. \u2014Recipe contributor Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Pecan Meltaways<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 25 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Pecans, confectioners' sugar, butter, flour\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nTo ensure the proper melt-away texture of pecan meltaways, chill your cookie dough like you would for cutout cookies. It will help keep them from spreading too much on the baking sheet.\r\n\r\nThis sweet, nutty pecan meltaways recipe is a tradition in our house at Christmastime, but the treats are delightful any time of the year. \u2014Recipe contributor Alberta McKay, Bartlesville, Oklahoma<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Raspberry Ribbons<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 40 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Raspberry jam, confectioners' sugar, evaporated milk\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nLike a buttery shortbread with a sweet jam, these \u201cribbon\u201d cookies make a lovely addition to any dessert table. Because they\u2019re filled with jam and cut after baking, they are more delicate. Shipping these for the holidays or special occasions is not advised.\r\n\r\nI make these attractive buttery cookies to serve at our remote guest lodge, and all the cooks in the kitchen are addicted to them! \u2014Recipe contributor Patsy Wolfenden, Golden, British Columbia<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>White Velvet Cutouts<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, 2% milk, shortening\r\nLevel:<\/b> AdvancedGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThis super soft and buttery cookie really tastes what white velvet feels like. With cream cheese in the dough, the texture and flavor can\u2019t be beat. They shape easily and the icing can be any color you want, so they\u2019re good year-round!\r\n\r\nWe make and decorate these cutouts for different holidays and give lots of them as gifts. Last year, we baked a batch a week before Christmas to be sure we'd have plenty to give and plenty for ourselves, too. These rich cookies melt in your mouth. \u2014Recipe contributor Kim Hinkle, Wauseon, Ohio<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Contest-Winning Chocolate Truffle Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Semisweet chocolate chips, unsweetened chocolate, baking cocoa\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThe key to getting a puffy cookie with a rich, soft, chocolatey center is chilling the dough for at least three hours; it prevents the cookies from getting too flat while baking. You really want this to be almost truffle-like inside, and the slightly domed shape helps with that.\r\n\r\nHere's a snack for serious chocolate lovers. These enticing cookies are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, somewhat bittersweet and very chocolaty. I usually make them to share at get-togethers. Otherwise, I'd eat them all myself! I'm always asked for the recipe. \u2014Recipe contributor Delaine Fortenberry, McComb, Mississippi<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Scottish Shortbread<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Butter, brown sugar, flour\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nA ribbon-winning family recipe, this classic Scottish shortbread is everything you want it to be: buttery, just crispy and wonderfully sweet. Instead of chilling the dough before rolling, you\u2019ll chill it after rolling and cutting so it can go straight to the oven.\r\n\r\nMy mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. \u2014Recipe contributor Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Amish Sugar Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 20 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Cream of tartar, baking soda, canola oil\r\nLevel:<\/b> BeginnerGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThese old-fashioned Amish sugar cookies are delightfully tender and easy to make. Make them your own by adding a touch of extract (almond is delicious!) or a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top. To get the best results, follow these tips for baking sugar cookies<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThese easy-to-make, old-fashioned Amish sugar cookies simply melt in your mouth! I've passed this recipe around to many friends. After I gave it to my sister, she entered the cookies in a local fair and won best of show. \u2014Recipe contributor Sylvia Ford, Kennett, Missouri<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Chippy Peanut Butter Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 40 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, eggs, peanut butter and milk chocolate chips\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThis classic peanut butter cookie is made even better with the addition of chocolate and peanut butter chips. Use a small ice cream scooper to get consistently sized cookies on the baking sheet.\r\n\r\n\"Hey, these are good!\" is the surprised remark I hear when I bake these for the family. As simple as it may seem, all I do is follow directions. This works exceptionally well when it comes to making cookies. \u2014Recipe contributor Ian Badeer, Hickman, Nebraska<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 25 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Macadamia nuts, white baking chips, baking soda, flour\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nA ringer for the famous name-brand cookie you\u2019d buy in the grocery store, this buttery cookie is chock full of white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts. Tip: If you use unsalted nuts, you might want to add a pinch of salt to the cookie dough.\r\n\r\nHawaiian nuts and melty morsels make a fantastic combination in these buttery white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. \u2014Recipe contributor Cathy Lennon, Newport, Tennessee<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Snickerdoodles<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 30 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Cinnamon, cream of tartar, baking soda, flour, butter\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThe name alone brings a smile to your face. The beauty of a Snickerdoodle is you probably already have all the ingredients on hand\u2014no running to the grocery store when the craving strikes! Carefully watch them while baking; an extra second or two can make a crispier cookie.\r\n\r\nThe history of these whimsically named treats has been widely disputed, but their popularity is undeniable. Help yourself to one of our soft cinnamon-sugared cookies and see for yourself. \u2014Recipe contributor Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>S\u2019more Sandwich Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Marshmallows, semisweet chocolate chips, graham cracker crumbs, 2% milk\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nSuch a genius move: Pop half of these marshmallow-topped sandwich cookies in the microwave for a few seconds, then smoosh with another cookie. The dough has graham cracker crumbs for a real s\u2019mores flavor.\r\n\r\nCapture the taste of campfire s'mores in your kitchen. Graham cracker crumbs added to chocolate chip cookie dough bring out the flavor of the fireside favorite. Melting the cookies' marshmallow centers in the microwave makes them simple to assemble. \u2014Recipe contributor Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Mimosa Butter Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 40 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Butter, orange zest, orange juice, champagne\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nSpiked with sparkling wine and orange juice, this butter cookie recipe has a brunch-y twist. To help the uncooked dough hold its shape, use parchment paper and chill the piped cookies for about 10 minutes before hitting the oven.\r\n\r\nYou can add many different flavors to butter cookies to make them your own. Try an alternate type of citrus zest, or add an alternate liquid to change things up. \u2014Recipe contributor Sara Lark, Raton, New Mexico<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Thumbprint Butter Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Butter, fruit preserves, flour, cornstarch, baking soda\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nFilled with any fruit preserve you like, these buttery little cookies add beautiful color to any platter of treats. They\u2019re super versatile for the holidays or any time of year.\r\n\r\nThese buttery little rounds add beautiful color to a platter of treats. Fill the thumbprint in the center with any fruit preserves you like. \u2014Recipe contributor Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Toffee Almond Sandies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 50 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Almonds, milk chocolate English toffee bits, almond extract\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nStudded with chocolate-covered toffee and almond bits, these delightful sandies hit all the high notes. They\u2019re not too crumbly or dry and have a nice nutty flavor, which you can amp up with a little extra extract if desired.\r\n\r\nThese crispy classics are loaded with crunchy chopped toffee and almonds, so there's no doubt as to why they're my husband's favorite cookie. I used to bake them in large batches when our four sons still lived at home. Now I whip them up for the grandchildren! \u2014Recipe contributor Alice Kahnk, Kennard, Nebraska<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Iced Orange Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Orange juice, orange zest, shortening, confectioners' sugar\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThis old-fashioned drop cookie gets topped with a sweet, citrus-scented icing. A little zest and a dab of orange food coloring really brightens things up.\r\n\r\nI usually make these bite-size orange cookies at Christmastime, when Florida citrus is plentiful, but they're delicious any time of year. Whenever I sniff their wonderful aroma, I remember my grandmother, who shared the recipe. \u2014Recipe contributor Lori DiPietro, New Port Richey, Florida<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Chocolate Mexican Wedding Cakes<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Confectioners' sugar, cornstarch, baking cocoa, pecans or almonds, cinnamon\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nAn alternative to the traditional favorite, these Mexican wedding cakes are packed with cocoa and a hint of cinnamon. Covered in powdered sugar, they make great holiday gifts.\r\n\r\nThese spiced balls are a yummy twist on a traditional favorite. Sometimes, I add mini chocolate chips to the dough and, after baking, dip the cooled cookies in melted almond bark. \u2014Recipe contributor Joanne Valkema, Freeport, Illinois<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Oatmeal Raisin Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 30 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Cinnamon, old-fashioned oats, raisins\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nEvery cookie recipe box should have an oatmeal raisin contender. The secret to this recipe is to measure exactly and not overbake to ensure a chewy, fruit-filled treat.\r\n\r\nA friend gave me the recipe for these cookies many years ago, and they\u2019re as delicious as the ones Mom used to make. The secret to the recipe is to measure exactly (no guessing on the amounts) and not to overbake. \u2014Recipe contributor Wendy Coalwell, Abbeville, Georgia<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Lemon Tea Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Butter, flour, walnuts, lemon juice, orange zest\r\n
\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tGet more must-have cookie recipes.<\/div>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t1 \/ 44<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t[dam-video dam-id=\"47801\" type_of_player=\"jw\" \/]\r\nJumbo Brownie Cookies<\/a>\r\nTotal Time:\u00a0<\/strong>35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients: <\/strong>Chocolate baking chips, chocolate chunks, butter, eggs, all-purpose flour\r\nLevel:\u00a0<\/strong>Intermediate\r\nGo to Recipe<\/a><\/span>\r\nGet your essential cookie-baking supplies<\/a> ready to make these cookie recipes. Then, make these deeply fudgy cookies for any party or potluck\u2014or just for you. The trick is adding a little espresso powder to the dough to really bring out the chocolate flavor.\r\n\r\nTake these deeply fudgy cookies to a party, and you're sure to make a friend. A little espresso powder in the dough makes them over-the-top good. \u2014Recipe contributor Rebecca Cababa, Las Vegas, Nevada<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 25 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, eggs\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nAn easy recipe made with pantry staples, this is the kind of cookie to whip out when you just feel like making cookies. Readers suggest using natural peanut butter for a more peanut-y taste and trying pressing it with a glass with a decorative bottom instead of crisscrossing it with a fork.\r\n\r\nMy mother insisted that my grandmother write down one recipe for her when Mom got married in 1942: the how to make peanut butter cookies from scratch recipe. That was a real effort because Grandma was a traditional pioneer-type cook who used a little of this or that until it felt right. This treasured recipe is the only one she ever wrote down! \u2014Recipe contributor Janet Hall, Clinton, Wisconsin<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Vanilla Meringue Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 1 hour\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Egg whites, cream of tartar, sugar\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nMeringue cookies are delightfully sweet and light, and they can be made into so many different flavors (although vanilla is just perfect). If you haven\u2019t worked with meringue too much, there are lots of helpful tips\u2014like making sure the egg whites are room temperature\u2014to make these just right.\r\n\r\nThese sweet little swirls are light as can be. They're all you need after a big, special dinner. \u2014Recipe contributor Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>First-Place Coconut Macaroons<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 30 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Sweetened coconut, egg whites, flour, sugar\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nWhen baking coconut macaroons, it\u2019s important to control the moisture so they don\u2019t spread too much on the cookie sheet. You\u2019ll have nice and craggy, chewy cookies in no time.\r\n\r\nThese coconut macaroon cookies earned me a first-place ribbon at the county fair. They remain my husband's favorites\u2014whenever I make them to give away, he always asks me where his batch is! I especially like that this recipe makes a small enough batch for the two of us to nibble on. \u2014Recipe contributor Penny Ann Habeck, Shawano, Wisconsin<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Peppermint Meltaways<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 40 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Peppermint extract, peppermint candies, confectioners' sugar\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThese festive cookies are a great addition to any Christmas cookie platter or gift box. And it\u2019s right there in the name: These little pepperminty treats simply melt in your mouth.\r\n\r\nThis recipe for peppermint meltaways is very pretty and festive-looking on a cookie platter. I often cover a plate of these peppermint cookies with red or green plastic wrap and a bright holiday bow in one corner. And yes, they really do melt in your mouth! \u2014Recipe contributor Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies<\/a>Peanut butter blossom cookies are a classic for a reason! When you nestle a chocolate kiss into a chewy and soft peanut butter cookie, you create a holiday cookie that's hard not to love.Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Coffee Shortbread<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Instant coffee granules, semisweet chocolate chips, white baking chips\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nA crisp, buttery coffee-flavored shortbread drizzled with white and semisweet chocolate is like a morning mocha in cookie form. To keep the dough from sticking on the counter or your rolling pin, tuck it between two sheets of parchment paper for easy smoothing.\r\n\r\nWhen you need a treat for brunch, bake some of these coffee-flavored shortbreads. The chocolate drizzle is surprisingly easy to do. \u2014Recipe contributor Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Pecan Meltaways<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 25 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Pecans, confectioners' sugar, butter, flour\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nTo ensure the proper melt-away texture of pecan meltaways, chill your cookie dough like you would for cutout cookies. It will help keep them from spreading too much on the baking sheet.\r\n\r\nThis sweet, nutty pecan meltaways recipe is a tradition in our house at Christmastime, but the treats are delightful any time of the year. \u2014Recipe contributor Alberta McKay, Bartlesville, Oklahoma<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Raspberry Ribbons<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 40 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Raspberry jam, confectioners' sugar, evaporated milk\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nLike a buttery shortbread with a sweet jam, these \u201cribbon\u201d cookies make a lovely addition to any dessert table. Because they\u2019re filled with jam and cut after baking, they are more delicate. Shipping these for the holidays or special occasions is not advised.\r\n\r\nI make these attractive buttery cookies to serve at our remote guest lodge, and all the cooks in the kitchen are addicted to them! \u2014Recipe contributor Patsy Wolfenden, Golden, British Columbia<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>White Velvet Cutouts<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, 2% milk, shortening\r\nLevel:<\/b> AdvancedGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThis super soft and buttery cookie really tastes what white velvet feels like. With cream cheese in the dough, the texture and flavor can\u2019t be beat. They shape easily and the icing can be any color you want, so they\u2019re good year-round!\r\n\r\nWe make and decorate these cutouts for different holidays and give lots of them as gifts. Last year, we baked a batch a week before Christmas to be sure we'd have plenty to give and plenty for ourselves, too. These rich cookies melt in your mouth. \u2014Recipe contributor Kim Hinkle, Wauseon, Ohio<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Contest-Winning Chocolate Truffle Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Semisweet chocolate chips, unsweetened chocolate, baking cocoa\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThe key to getting a puffy cookie with a rich, soft, chocolatey center is chilling the dough for at least three hours; it prevents the cookies from getting too flat while baking. You really want this to be almost truffle-like inside, and the slightly domed shape helps with that.\r\n\r\nHere's a snack for serious chocolate lovers. These enticing cookies are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, somewhat bittersweet and very chocolaty. I usually make them to share at get-togethers. Otherwise, I'd eat them all myself! I'm always asked for the recipe. \u2014Recipe contributor Delaine Fortenberry, McComb, Mississippi<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Scottish Shortbread<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Butter, brown sugar, flour\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nA ribbon-winning family recipe, this classic Scottish shortbread is everything you want it to be: buttery, just crispy and wonderfully sweet. Instead of chilling the dough before rolling, you\u2019ll chill it after rolling and cutting so it can go straight to the oven.\r\n\r\nMy mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. \u2014Recipe contributor Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Amish Sugar Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 20 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Cream of tartar, baking soda, canola oil\r\nLevel:<\/b> BeginnerGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThese old-fashioned Amish sugar cookies are delightfully tender and easy to make. Make them your own by adding a touch of extract (almond is delicious!) or a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top. To get the best results, follow these tips for baking sugar cookies<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThese easy-to-make, old-fashioned Amish sugar cookies simply melt in your mouth! I've passed this recipe around to many friends. After I gave it to my sister, she entered the cookies in a local fair and won best of show. \u2014Recipe contributor Sylvia Ford, Kennett, Missouri<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Chippy Peanut Butter Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 40 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, eggs, peanut butter and milk chocolate chips\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThis classic peanut butter cookie is made even better with the addition of chocolate and peanut butter chips. Use a small ice cream scooper to get consistently sized cookies on the baking sheet.\r\n\r\n\"Hey, these are good!\" is the surprised remark I hear when I bake these for the family. As simple as it may seem, all I do is follow directions. This works exceptionally well when it comes to making cookies. \u2014Recipe contributor Ian Badeer, Hickman, Nebraska<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 25 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Macadamia nuts, white baking chips, baking soda, flour\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nA ringer for the famous name-brand cookie you\u2019d buy in the grocery store, this buttery cookie is chock full of white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts. Tip: If you use unsalted nuts, you might want to add a pinch of salt to the cookie dough.\r\n\r\nHawaiian nuts and melty morsels make a fantastic combination in these buttery white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. \u2014Recipe contributor Cathy Lennon, Newport, Tennessee<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Snickerdoodles<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 30 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Cinnamon, cream of tartar, baking soda, flour, butter\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThe name alone brings a smile to your face. The beauty of a Snickerdoodle is you probably already have all the ingredients on hand\u2014no running to the grocery store when the craving strikes! Carefully watch them while baking; an extra second or two can make a crispier cookie.\r\n\r\nThe history of these whimsically named treats has been widely disputed, but their popularity is undeniable. Help yourself to one of our soft cinnamon-sugared cookies and see for yourself. \u2014Recipe contributor Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>S\u2019more Sandwich Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Marshmallows, semisweet chocolate chips, graham cracker crumbs, 2% milk\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nSuch a genius move: Pop half of these marshmallow-topped sandwich cookies in the microwave for a few seconds, then smoosh with another cookie. The dough has graham cracker crumbs for a real s\u2019mores flavor.\r\n\r\nCapture the taste of campfire s'mores in your kitchen. Graham cracker crumbs added to chocolate chip cookie dough bring out the flavor of the fireside favorite. Melting the cookies' marshmallow centers in the microwave makes them simple to assemble. \u2014Recipe contributor Abby Metzger, Larchwood, Iowa<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Mimosa Butter Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 40 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Butter, orange zest, orange juice, champagne\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nSpiked with sparkling wine and orange juice, this butter cookie recipe has a brunch-y twist. To help the uncooked dough hold its shape, use parchment paper and chill the piped cookies for about 10 minutes before hitting the oven.\r\n\r\nYou can add many different flavors to butter cookies to make them your own. Try an alternate type of citrus zest, or add an alternate liquid to change things up. \u2014Recipe contributor Sara Lark, Raton, New Mexico<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Thumbprint Butter Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Butter, fruit preserves, flour, cornstarch, baking soda\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nFilled with any fruit preserve you like, these buttery little cookies add beautiful color to any platter of treats. They\u2019re super versatile for the holidays or any time of year.\r\n\r\nThese buttery little rounds add beautiful color to a platter of treats. Fill the thumbprint in the center with any fruit preserves you like. \u2014Recipe contributor Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Toffee Almond Sandies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 50 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Almonds, milk chocolate English toffee bits, almond extract\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nStudded with chocolate-covered toffee and almond bits, these delightful sandies hit all the high notes. They\u2019re not too crumbly or dry and have a nice nutty flavor, which you can amp up with a little extra extract if desired.\r\n\r\nThese crispy classics are loaded with crunchy chopped toffee and almonds, so there's no doubt as to why they're my husband's favorite cookie. I used to bake them in large batches when our four sons still lived at home. Now I whip them up for the grandchildren! \u2014Recipe contributor Alice Kahnk, Kennard, Nebraska<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Iced Orange Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Orange juice, orange zest, shortening, confectioners' sugar\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nThis old-fashioned drop cookie gets topped with a sweet, citrus-scented icing. A little zest and a dab of orange food coloring really brightens things up.\r\n\r\nI usually make these bite-size orange cookies at Christmastime, when Florida citrus is plentiful, but they're delicious any time of year. Whenever I sniff their wonderful aroma, I remember my grandmother, who shared the recipe. \u2014Recipe contributor Lori DiPietro, New Port Richey, Florida<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Chocolate Mexican Wedding Cakes<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Confectioners' sugar, cornstarch, baking cocoa, pecans or almonds, cinnamon\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nAn alternative to the traditional favorite, these Mexican wedding cakes are packed with cocoa and a hint of cinnamon. Covered in powdered sugar, they make great holiday gifts.\r\n\r\nThese spiced balls are a yummy twist on a traditional favorite. Sometimes, I add mini chocolate chips to the dough and, after baking, dip the cooled cookies in melted almond bark. \u2014Recipe contributor Joanne Valkema, Freeport, Illinois<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Oatmeal Raisin Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 30 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Cinnamon, old-fashioned oats, raisins\r\nLevel:<\/b> IntermediateGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nEvery cookie recipe box should have an oatmeal raisin contender. The secret to this recipe is to measure exactly and not overbake to ensure a chewy, fruit-filled treat.\r\n\r\nA friend gave me the recipe for these cookies many years ago, and they\u2019re as delicious as the ones Mom used to make. The secret to the recipe is to measure exactly (no guessing on the amounts) and not to overbake. \u2014Recipe contributor Wendy Coalwell, Abbeville, Georgia<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Lemon Tea Cookies<\/a>Total Time:<\/b> 35 minutes\r\nMain Ingredients:<\/b> Butter, flour, walnuts, lemon juice, orange zest\r\n