By Andrea Meyers

Christmas cookie season is here! Making cookies to share with family and friends is a Christmas tradition enjoyed by many people around the world, and cookies have the power to create memories that last for years to come, particularly when children get involved. The following cookie recipes are traditional recipes or variations on family traditions, and each can be a fun project to do with kids.

Depending on age, kids may be able to measure ingredients and roll, cut, shape, and decorate the cookies. Prepare the children by explaining the recipe and showing them a picture of what the cookies should look like. After mixing ingredients, demonstrate how to make one or two cookies first, then help the children make their own. As always, have the children wash and dry their hands well before starting.

These Candy Cane Cookies are a fun variation on sugar cookies and a great cookie to make with kids. Demonstrate how to roll the dough into strings and twist the colors together, then help the kids as necessary.

Mint and chocolate are a classic combination, and these Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies have a special zing. You can use purchased peppermint bark or make your own, or you can even use white chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candy. Children will have fun breaking up the bark and rolling the cookies.

Cutout sugar cookies are a Christmas classic, and this version makes soft and tasty cookies. Buttermilk gives the cookies a little tang and the sugar frosting makes colorful decorations. Have the kids help cut the cookies and give them some to decorate especially for themselves or to give as gifts.

These classy Fruit-Nut Balls require no baking and only a food processor for preparation; simply mix, roll, and dip. Have an adult run the food processor and allow the children to roll and dip the balls. Make them a few days ahead and let them sit so that the flavors have time to develop and deepen. You can make an adult alcoholic version or a kid-friendly version using apple cider.

Eat Christmas Cookies is an event that celebrates the joy of making and sharing Christmas cookies. Sponsored by Susan of Food Blogga, the event started on November 11 and runs through December 24. Entries have been pouring in from around the world, and the variety of cookies and the accompanying stories make the event worth a visit.

Of course if you need more inspiration, you can search for other Christmas cookie recipes at Foodie View.

Andrea Meyers writes about her adventures in the kitchen with her three boys at her cooking blog Andrea’s Recipes. She offers a variety of cookies and other holiday fare on her site.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 17th, 2007 at 4:33 pm and is filed under Recipe Roundup. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.