Here's a couple of recipes that are a "must have" around here during the holiday season.
The first is really easy, the second is a little tougher to make (more ingredients) Also checkout the link at the bottom, some really good recipes there.
Almond Coconut Macaroons
1 14-oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon almond extract (optional)
1 tablespoon water
8 ounces (2 cups) desiccated coconut
Add vanilla, almond extract, and water to the condensed milk and stir until thoroughly mixed. Add the coconut and mix thoroughly. Allow this mixture to stand for 2 to 24 hours or longer (stirring occasionally) to allow the coconut to re-hydrate.
Form approximately 1" diameter cookies and bake at 350°F on parchment covered baking sheet for about 12-14 minutes until light golden brown. Slide parchment onto wire rack to cool. This recipe makes about 18 cookies.
Drunken (Bourbon) Fruitcake Cookies
1/2 cup butter
1 cups packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 pound golden raisins
1/2 pound brown raisins
1/4 pound red candied cherries
1/4 pound red candied pineapple
1/4 pound green candied cherries (optional)
1/4 pound green candied pineapple (optional)
1/2 cup bourbon (optional) (alcohol evaporates during cooking)
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 pound walnut halves
1/2 pound pecan halves
In a medium bowl, dredge candied fruit and raisins in 1 cup flour.
In a large bowl, cream together brown sugar and butter. Beat in eggs. Gradually beat in bourbon and milk. Mix in remaining flour and spices. Stir in fruit and nuts. Refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls, about 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool on wire racks.
On the optional, green candied fruit, I usually don't use it because I think it's ugly. If you don't use it, double the amount of the other candied fruits.
Even people that absolutely hate fruitcake love these cookies. They're awesome!!
Another Idea: on your peanut butter/kiss thumbprint cookies, use a variety of different kisses, they make them in several different flavors and even ones with almonds or caramel inside.
Good Luck and Happy Holidays
"20 Showstopping Christmas Cookie Recipes"
http://www.bhg.com/bhg/slideshow/slideSh…