This post has been sponsored by American Greetings. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Baking is my love language so when the holiday season rolls around, I enjoy giving homemade treats as gifts. I have a few go-to recipes, like chocolate peanut butter balls (a.k.a. buckeyes), festive sugar cookies, and my mom’s shortbread “snowballs.” I also like to try new recipes based on the flavors I know the recipient likes. For example, I might make peppermint mocha brownies for coffee fans or double chocolate cupcakes for chocoholics like myself. To personalize the gifts, I like to add a greeting card with a handwritten note. In a world that is very digital, giving a physical card is so special and meaningful. It doesn’t take much to let your neighbors, friends, vet, kids’ teachers, etc. know that you’re thankful for them—it really is the thought that counts! Target has a great selection of cards, and I especially love the American Greetings brand. There is a card for everyone on your list and a mix of cute, well-written options. And if you aren’t sure what to write, check out these thought starters. I love when you come across an American Greetings card and you’re like, “YES that is perfect for so-and-so!” You can use this Cartwheel offer to save 10% on your holiday cards!
For your significant other. Rob and I have been married for over three years now. We haven’t established many Christmas traditions yet since we go visit our families each year, but we do always have festive date nights throughout the month of December. We find places to go see Christmas lights and decorations, send out a Christmas card, buy gifts for kids on the giving tree at his office, decorate our Christmas tree, and fill our stockings. I saw this “I love Christmas-ing with you” American Greetings card at Target and thought it was perfect for him. I love all of the festive activities and adventures this time of year! Since the card has a snowflake on the cover, I paired it with these snowball cookies that he loves. This recipe is one my mom has been making for as long as I can remember. It’s so simple, yet so delicious!
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Snowball Cookies
A simple, yet delicious cookie for the holiday season! This is my mom's recipe that she's been using for as long as I can remember. It's a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- small bowl of sifted powdered sugar for coating the cookies
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients (except the powdered sugar for coating) until dough forms.
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Roll into balls and place onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. While warm, roll balls in the bowl of sifted powdered sugar and then repeat when they are a little cooler since the first coat will most likely dissolve. Enjoy, but leave some for Santa ;)
For the hostess. ‘Tis the season for holiday parties! I find that food and drinks make the best hostess gifts. They can either serve them at the party or save them to enjoy later! I like to add a cute card and thank the hostess for all of the hard work she’s put into the get-together. This “Hostess with the Mostest” card is perfect for an upcoming holiday party that my friend is throwing. To complement the champagne on the card and the overall girly style, I made sugar cookie bars topped with pink champagne buttercream. Then I added sprinkles that kind of look like the confetti on the card. It’s a very festive treat!
Sugar Cookie Bars with Pink Champagne Buttercream
Ingredients
For the Cookie Bars
- 3/4 cup butter room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. baking powder
For the Buttercream
- 1/2 cup butter room temperature
- 3 Tbsp. pink champagne
- 1 Tbsp. heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- pink food coloring
- sprinkles
Instructions
For the Cookie Bars
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Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8" x 8" pan with parchment paper and lightly coat with non-stick spray. Set aside.
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Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, vanilla extract and almond extract.
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In a separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Add to butter mixture. Stir until combined. Press dough into pan. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Let cool.
For the Buttercream
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In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, 1 – 2 minutes.
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Add powdered sugar, champagne, heavy cream and vanilla extract. Mix on low until combined. Add pink food coloring then mix on medium-high speed for 2 more minutes, until smooth and fluffy.
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Evenly spread on top of cookie bars and top with sprinkles. Cute into bars and enjoy!
For the dog lover. We are so thankful to have amazing neighbors who love our dog, Emmy, just as much as we do! They watch her when we are out of town, walk her if we are gone all day, and we have play dates with their dog, too. I saw this American Greetings card with a dog on the front and thought it was perfect to give to them this holiday season! To go along with the “Jingle all the way…” copy, I paired this card with some bell-shaped sugar cookies. This is my go-to sugar cookie recipe! Just use your favorite cookie cutter and color the buttercream as needed for the perfect holiday card and treat pairing.
Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!
