OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The holiday season brings joy, family gatherings, and the sweet aroma of Christmas cookies baking in the oven. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to collect a treasure trove of cookie recipes, each with a special story and connection to the people I love. These recipes have become a part of my holiday traditions, and now, I’d love to share them with you.
Mrs. Wigget’s Peanut Butter Kisses
Every year, my father went hunting with Uncle Dave, and while the men were out in the woods, Aunt Ann would bake her famous Peanut Butter Kisses for Christmas. These soft, peanut-buttery cookies topped with a chocolate kiss are the perfect blend of sweet and salty. To this day, they remind me of family gatherings and the warmth of Aunt Ann’s kitchen.
Mom’s Butterballs
My mother’s Butterballs were a holiday staple, and sneaking one was almost impossible without leaving evidence. Made with rich butter, ground walnuts, and rolled generously in powdered sugar, these cookies always left a tell-tale dusting on your shirt. No Christmas is complete without these crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth treats.
Jam Thumbprints and First Christmas Memories
Twenty-eight years ago, during my first Christmas with my husband, he surprised me by covering my house in lights while I baked Jam Thumbprints. These buttery cookies, filled with sweet fruit jam, quickly became his favorite. Now, they’re a must-have every Christmas, a sweet reminder of our first holiday season together.
Mrs. Bob’s Cream Cheese Cookies
While working on The Mr. Bob Morning Show on 93.7 K-Country, Mrs. Bob shared her recipe for Cream Cheese Cookies. These cookies are perfectly soft, rich, and absolutely delightful. Over the years, they’ve become a favorite to bake and share with friends and family.
Lisa Varner’s Apple Cake
While not a cookie, Lisa Varner’s Apple Cake is a standout recipe that holds a special place in my heart. As North Central Florida Media Sales Manager, Lisa shared her childhood recipe card, written in her own handwriting, and it’s been a cherished addition to my holiday repertoire ever since.
Share Your Holiday Cookie Recipes
Each year, my collection of holiday recipes grows, thanks to contributions from family, friends, listeners, and co-workers. These recipes aren’t just about the cookies themselves—they’re about the stories, memories, and traditions behind them. I’d love for you to be part of this tradition.
Submit your favorite cookie recipe to me at kdugan@352today.com. If you’d like, include a photo and the story behind the recipe. Who knows? Your special cookie might become a beloved part of someone else’s holiday season!
Let’s make this Christmas even sweeter by sharing the joy of holiday baking and the memories that come with it. Happy baking!
Kathy’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Taylor’s Favorite Soft Molasses Ginger Cookies
Mrs. Bob’s Cream Cheese Cookies
Suzanne St. John’s Favorite Shrewsbury Biscuits
Pamela Livingston’s Cowboy Cookies
Brittany Clay’s Flourless Hot Cocoa Cookies
Rose’s Cray-Cray Chocolate Rum Balls
Kathy Thompson Mosely’s S’Mores Cookies
Mrs. Wigget’s Peanut Butter Kisses
Melissa’s Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Lucy Dekle Daniels’ Favorite Snickerdoodles
Kim Whacker’s Favorite Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Kathy’s Husband’s Ritz Peanut Butter Cookies
Debbie & Susan’s Favorite Oreo Cookie Balls
Grandma Stocker’s Pennsylvania Dutch Cookies
Cassidy Dugan’s Favorite Candy Cane Cookies
Taylor Adkins’ Sunshine State Snow Day Cookies
Todd Kane’s Holiday Hamentaschen
Pamela Livingston’s Pumpkin Tollhouse Cookies
Lisa Varner’s “I Don’t Bake Cookies from Scratch” Fresh Apple Cake