Guest Post written by Shelby Barlow

Christmas is my favorite holiday. It is full of making magic, spending time with family, and traditions. Our family has so many fun traditions that we look forward to every year. As soon as Thanksgiving is over, our Christmas fun begins! Our traditions include everything from going up into the mountains to cut down real pine trees to making gingerbread houses. But our favorite Christmas tradition is making cookies.

The Annual Cookie Party

Growing up, my Grandma always hosted an annual cookie party—a tradition she carried on from her own Grandma. We looked forward to making cookies at my Grandma’s house every year. She would let us help with every part of the cookie-making process. She was patient and looked past the eggshells in the cookie dough and the flour all over her kitchen.

Grandma taught us all of her famous cookie recipes, which we still use and enjoy today. My mom has since taken over the annual cookie party, but Grandma is always an active participant in the traditional fun.

A Cherished Family Recipe

In case you are in need of a new Christmas cookie recipe or want to try something different, I would love to share one of my family’s favorite cookie recipes. This recipe has been cherished by our family for decades. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Butterscotch Cookies

Ingredients:

• ½ lb softened, unsalted butter
• 1 2/3 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 ½ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• Frosting
• Sprinkles

Directions:

1. Cream together butter and sugars.
2. Mix in eggs and vanilla.
3. Add all of the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. Chill for 2 hours.
5. Roll out cookie dough to 1/8 of an inch thick.
6. Cut out fun Christmas shapes with your favorite holiday cookie cutters.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
8. Frost and decorate cookies.
9. Enjoy!