Holiday recipes

**Indulging in the Sweet Symphony of Holiday Cookies: A Feast for Every Palate**

The enchanting aroma of freshly baked cookies, a lavish tray adorned with a diverse array of shapes and colors – who can resist the timeless allure of these sweet treats during the holiday season? The joy they bring transcends age, occasion, and flavor preference, promising to evoke a smile on anyone's face. As a devoted member of the cookie fan club, my journey over the past five years has involved recruiting contributors, refining ideas, testing recipes, and immersing myself in marathon photo sessions. This process has only deepened my appreciation for this globally cherished delight in its myriad forms.

As we embark on our 19th year of holiday cookies at The Post, boasting a repertoire of nearly 400 cookie recipes, the quest for fresh takes remains relentless. Our goal is simple – to present recipes that are accessible, visually appealing, and, of course, irresistibly delicious. Amidst this diverse collection, ranging from classics to innovative twists, we've curated a selection that caters to various dietary needs, cultural influences, and ingredient preferences. The absence of a specific theme underscores our commitment to providing a rich assortment of cookies that suit every taste bud.

To curate this delightful assortment, we reached out to renowned chefs, cookbook authors, and social media food enthusiasts. The result? A lineup of 12 recipes that includes revamped classics such as Vegan Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies and introduces novel creations like Lemongrass and Pandan Thumbprint Cookies. The diversity extends to accommodating gluten-free or vegan diets, and even features a recipe sweetened without refined sugars. Citrus zests, aromatic spices, crunchy nuts, and plump dried fruits all make appearances, ensuring a vibrant spectrum of flavors.

In keeping with our tradition of holiday cookie projects, we proudly present a Pattern Sugar Cookies recipe from food artist and blogger Alana Allred. This beginner-friendly yet brilliant recipe involves a simple dough rolled into a canvas and adorned with decorations in shapes and colors of your choice – perfect for crafting wow-worthy treats suitable for gifting.

On behalf of our dedicated team – comprising testers, tasters, editors, photographers, designers, and stylists – I extend a warm welcome to explore our 2023 holiday cookie collection. Below, the inventive recipe developers share insights into their creations, offering a glimpse into the delightful world of holiday baking.

**Golden Milk Sugar Cookies by Keya Wingfield**

My earliest memory of haldi doodh, or golden milk, dates back to childhood when my mom prepared a comforting cup to alleviate a cold. Inspired by her elaborate version, my golden milk recipe includes milk, turmeric, honey, cardamom, saffron, almond, pistachio, cinnamon, and whole peppercorns. This flavor medley finds its way into these soft, chewy cookies adorned with a rosewater-almond glaze and delicate rose petals.

**Meghli Blondie Bars by Amanda Saab**

Drawing inspiration from the celebratory Lebanese rice pudding, Meghli, traditionally made after the birth of a baby, these blondie bars infuse the essence of cinnamon, caraway, and nut toppings. The chewy texture and rich flavors pay homage to the classic dish, now reinvented in a delightful bar form.

**Culinary Journey with the 2023 Holiday Cookie Collection**

As you delve into this enchanting world of holiday cookies, may each recipe become a celebration of flavors, traditions, and the universal joy found in a well-crafted cookie. Happy baking!

**Vegan Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies: Crafting a Plant-Powered Delight**

Let's start our culinary journey with a twist on the classic chocolate oatmeal cookie. Renowned chef [Chef's Name] introduces us to a delightful plant-powered version that retains the rich, indulgent flavor while embracing vegan principles. The melding of wholesome oats, decadent chocolate, and plant-based ingredients creates a cookie that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the conscience.

**Lemongrass and Pandan Thumbprint Cookies: A Fusion of Aromas**

Step into the world of innovative flavors with [Chef's Name]'s Lemongrass and Pandan Thumbprint Cookies. This recipe combines the citrusy notes of lemongrass with the fragrant essence of pandan, creating a delightful fusion that dances on the taste buds. The thumbprint design, filled with luscious jams or curds, adds a burst of sweetness to every bite, making these cookies a true sensory delight.

**Pattern Sugar Cookies: Alana Allred's Edible Canvases**

Enter the realm of edible art with food artist Alana Allred's Pattern Sugar Cookies. The genius lies in the simplicity – a basic dough rolled into a canvas, ready to be adorned with vibrant decorations. The possibilities are endless as you unleash your creativity, crafting cookies that are not just delicious but visually stunning. These cookies are a perfect canvas for expressing your festive spirit.

**Golden Milk Sugar Cookies: Keya Wingfield's Comforting Elegance**