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Because the gift of cookies is the BEST gift ever.
Material things are nice and all, but the truth is, the way to win pretty much anyone over is with a plate full of COOKIES. Or I guess in this case, a bowl full! I am a huge fan of homemade gifts and I make them whenever I can. Last year I even stuffed stockings with homemade body scrubs and oils, which of course my mom and cousins loved. This year however, I’m thinking cookies all the way! I mean, how fun are these little cookie decorating kits? They come complete with homemade gingerbread and sugar cookies, along with all the things you need to decorate your cookies…royal icing, sprinkles and all the chocolate you can get your hands on! Hey, it’s Christmas, so we go all out!
I spent a good part of Friday night working on these fun gifts while my brother and cousin watched Home Alone on my couch. It was actually perfect because I can see the TV from the kitchen counter, and having a Christmas movie on in the background totally helped to put me in the Christmas spirit. They were also maybe sipping on these North Pole Cocktails… Clearly I’m ready for all things Christmas!
But um, back to these Christmas Cookie Decorating Kits! These are the perfect gift for anyone who loves the idea of baking and decorating Christmas cookies, but 1) may not have the time or 2) is maybe not the best baker in the world. But even if you’re a great baker, this is still a really fun gift to receive. The hard work of baking and rolling out the cookies has already been done for you. Only the fun part is left – the decorating! Um, yes please!
When I’m assembling my kits, I like to include the cookie recipes, along with as a few fun cookie cutters. That way if everyone’s having a great time and wants to keep going, they’re all set! I mean, once you taste the cookies, it’s kind of hard not to want to make more…and more! 🙂
This would be a great gift for teachers, co-workers, friends…really anyone. I know my mom is hoping that I make a few more kits for Asher’s teachers…can’t blame her. It’s a lot more fun than the classic apple or box of chocolates. I know my cousin Maggie, who is a teacher, would greatly enjoy some cookies instead of all the owls she receives (long story, another day…).
So really, you should probably consider making these for everyone on your list this year, just sayin’.
Also, my brother made me awesome recipe cards for you all to print of and use for you own recipes! Love them! You can print them off here: Christmas Recipe Card
Also, here are the products I used to make my gift.
Bowl
10 ounce Weck Jar (used for the frosting)
2.7 ounce Weck Jar (used for sprinkles and M&M’s)
Christmas Spatula
PS. I made a very similar gift basket for Crate and Barrel last year. You can see it here, along with one of my favorite Christmas Dinner party menus. If you’re looking for more homemade Christmas gifts check the list below!
The Gift of a Christmas Scent (Homemade Potpourri)
Snowy, Sparkly Pine Cone Ornaments
Coconut Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Covered Pretzel Presents
Edible Christmas Gifts In Jars
Hot Chocolate Mugs with Homemade Marshmallows
Homemade Vanilla Bean Salt + Vanilla Bean Sugar
Christmas Cookie Decorating Kit.
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories Per Serving: 213 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 large mixing bowl
- ½ pound red or green shredded crinkle cut paper
- 12-18 slice freshly baked gingerbread and/or [sugar cookies | https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/easy--n-bake-vanilla-bean-christmas-sugar-cookies-wwhipped-buttercream/] recipe below
- 3 ounce Weck Jars 2.7
- 1 ounce Weck Jar 10
- 1 cup white icing recipe below
- M Holiday sprinkles + holiday &M’s
- Clear cellophane wrap
- Holiday ribbon
- Cookie cutters optional
Instructions
- To your large mixing bowl, add the shredded paper to fill the bowl. Decoratively arrange the cookies towards the back of the bowl. Fill the small jars with holiday sprinkles + M&M’s and place towards the front of the bowl. Fill the large jar with white icing and arrange towards the middle. If needed, add more shredded paper to fill. You can also get creative and add other things to the bowl such as cookie cutters, or the recipe for homemade sugar cookies or gingerbread cookies.
- Spread a large piece of cellophane on the counter and put the bowl in the center of the wrap. Cover the bowl with cellophane and tie with a festive holiday ribbon. Attach one of your favorite ornaments to the ribbon. Gift away!
Gingerbread Cookies.
Servings: 18 Cookies
Calories Per Serving: 102 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons butter at room temperature
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silpat.
- In a small bowl combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and brown sugar, beating for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg, beat until combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until no streaks are showing in the dough.
- Remove the dough from the bowl and flour a clean work surface, adding flour to the dough as well. Roll it out as thin or thick as you like. If you want the cookies crisp roll thin, if you prefer them softer roll the dough out thicker. Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter, cutting them as close to one another as possible to minimize waste.
- Transfer the cookies to the prepared cookie sheets. Cover the baking sheets and place them in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Bake the cookies for 8-12 minutes or until just set. Cool on a cookie sheet.
Easy White Icing.
Servings: 1 cup
Calories Per Serving: 2103 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder or vanilla extract
- 6-8 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Add the powdered sugar, meringue powder, vanilla and 6 tablespoons water to a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, whisk on high speed until the icing is glossy. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached. Keep the frosting covered at all times or it will harden.
Notes
Nutritional value based on 1 cup
Happy gift giving!
Wow. creative, fun, and thoughtful. Homemade gifts are the best.
Thank you!!
I LOVE THIS IDEA! What a beautiful and clever gift! I love that it’s fairly inexpensive and very thoughtful. Thank you!
Thanks so much Deanna!! Hope you get to create something similar!! (:
Ok, this is super cute!! You are so creative.
Thank you! Happy Holidays!
These are so cute!!
Thanks Sara!
Are your recipes adjusted for altitude? I’m just west of you and have never been able to make a sugar cookie that doesn’t turn into a blob after baking. I let the kids use the cookie cutters but even they know they won’t look like anything when they come out of the oven. ? Maybe the gingerbread does better? Thanks for your help!
freeze the sugar cookies before baking- they hold their shape better.
read this blog entry
http://www.sweetphi.com/sugar-cut-cookies-actually-hold-shape/
Hey Kelly! The recipes given work great for me. My trick is sticking the shaped cookies in the freezer for 10 or so minutes before baking. This helps SO much. I think if you follow the directions for either cookies recipe you should have good results. I love the cookies recipes below. Let me know if you have questions. Thank you and happy Holidays!
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/eggnog-scented-sugar-cookies-with-easy-vanilla-icing/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/easy-slice-n-bake-vanilla-bean-christmas-sugar-cookies-wwhipped-buttercream/
This is great, they are so cute! This year I was determined to give homemade presents so I think this will be one 😀
YAY!! So perfect!! Hope you have so much fun making them!!
This looks great! Now I have to try it!!
Thank you!! Hope you love it!
where did you get your glass bowl?
The bowl can be found here: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/truefit-10.25-batter-bowl-with-lid/s554472
Thanks!