Today we are officially starting our holiday baking craze. Last year we had a blast making some nutty balls (yes, that was the name of the cookie) and fudge for our neighbors, friends and the teachers over at my daughter’s school. I like to try out different recipes each year and last year I attempted my mother’s fudge recipe. The fudge turned out delicious and my husband wants to state for the record that he really made it since he was the one stirring it the whole time. I was just too nervous I was going to get it wrong so I had him make it and directed from the sidelines. Hey, at least I helped somewhat! Below are some yummy recipes to try out to enjoy and give out as gifts. I love the reindeer cookie and definitely am trying the chocolate macaroon recipe this year. Enjoy!

Turtle Thumbprint Cookies:

We might have to try this one out and send them to my parents. I love the combination of pecans, chocolate and caramel and my mother is a huge fan of this yummy combination. To read more how to make these treats go to Handle the Heat.

Bourbon Balls:

These look fabulous and would be appreciated by just about anyone – a neighbor, teacher, your family – you name it – most people are fans of chocolate and these look so pretty. To read how to make these bourbon balls go to Pink Patisserie.

Brown Butter Oatmeal Chunk Cookies:

You can’t beat a good chocolate chip cookie and these look divine! I try to stick to my Paleo Diet lifestyle, but a good chocolate chip cookie will always draw me in. I plan to try these brown butter oatmeal chunk (that sold me) cookies this year and will try to reframe from eating the whole batch. To read more go to How Sweet Eats.

Toffee Speckled Snickerdoodles:

I like to say that name – Snickerdoodles…. too fun. If you like toffee this will be your type of cookie! To read how to make these sweet cookies go to In Katrina’s Kitchen.

Gooey Chocolate Coconut Truffles:

These look so yummy and I absolutely love coconut (and it is really good for you) so I might have to make these along with my macaroons! I would use dark chocolate instead of the milk chocolate as the darker the chocolate the better. Try for over 70% cocoa beans if you can. To read more go to How Sweet Eats.

For the Kids:

Peanut Butter Reindeer Cookies:

Yum! And how cute are these? I think these take the cute factor to the top of the charts. These would be great to bring to your child’s classroom holiday party. Sure to be a hit and you will be mom-of-the-day! To read more go to Buddy Bakestress.

I’m Melting…

These are the original I’m Melting Snowman that was created by the blogger at The Decorated Cookie in 2011 and they do look too fun to make! To see how to make these Snowman go to The Decorated Cookie – she has a ton of yummy cookie ideas!

Santa Makes a Visit:

I like that you can offer some healthy treats at your holiday party. The kids will have a blast making these little Santa’s (who doesn’t like whipped cream?) and have even more fun eating them. Image found on Pinterest.

Coconut Macaroons:

I think it is a close tie between chocolate chip cookies and chocolate macaroons. These are super easy to make and are gluten free! These are definitely on the menu this year! Read more at Recipe.com.

Cookie Puzzle:

This is a fun idea coming from Martha Stewart. The trick is to see if they can take the time to put the cookie puzzle together before they eat it! To see how to make this fun cookie puzzle go to Martha Stewart.