Time to Put Down Those Holiday Cookies

So now that the holidays are officially over, it's probably in everyone's best interest to think about eating healthier. I'm not saying that we need to stop eating cookies, but there are probably some healthier versions of the ones that we love out there. I've found a couple ideas of different cookies to try that still have the same great taste as their fattier counterparts.So give these recipes a try and let me know what you think.

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/bevs_chocolate_chip_cookies.html
(pictured on the right)

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/oatmeal-toffee-cookies-10000001860062/

What's Happening at the Bakeshop Today?

Today at the Johnson & Wales University Bakery Commissary, one of our supervisors was working diligently on some short dough cookies for one of our customers! I just thought I'd take some time to show everyone how these simple designs on a simple cookie would make an excellent gift for a loved one this holiday season. What's better than receiving a gift? I'd say receiving a gift that tastes great too! And they're just nice to look at. Another idea is to make these into edible ornaments. Just bake your cookies for a little longer and cut a circle out of the top as soon as they come out of the oven and let them fully cool down. Decorate your cookie and tie a ribbon into a bow through the hole in your cookie and there you have it, a beautiful ornament for your home!

I just don't recommend letting these sit out for too long because they may draw some unwanted guests into your house!

Holiday Cookie Ideas

Although many people may not like the quality of HERSHEY'S chocolate, I think that they did a great job with these holiday cookies. The simple, yet elegant techniques they used let them create very beautiful looking cookies. Short dough cookies always look the best in my eyes. You can take something so plain and turn it into a masterpiece. I also really like that they started from the beginning in this video, from rolling out the dough to putting the icing on and finishing the product. I found the idea of cutting some Twizzlers to be very creative and it gave theur cookies a very edgy look. That's the best things about holiday cookies. You can make them into anything you want them to be! Share your ideas below please!

Anyone Making a Gingerbread House This Year?

Just thought that I'd share my design for a gingerbread house that I am making for Christmas this year. Winning a gingerbread house contest before has set the expectation high, but I am very excited for this one! It's going to be about two feet tall and have many fine details. Making a gingerbread house with your family and other loved ones is a great traditon that you can start this year. As I mentioned in my last post, traditions create memories and what better memory than a sweet one. I can't wait to show you guys the finished product! Feel free to share your ideas and possible gingerbread plans with the rest of us.

Starting a New Tradition this Holiday Season

Hi everyone! I found this article about starting a new tradition with your loved ones this holiday season. It just made me think of all the great memories that are brought to us during Christmas time. What are some traditions that you and your family look forward to every year? Do you plan on starting a new one this year? Hope to hear from you guys soon!

Leave Some Suggestions

Working on a new video for the blog, but here is an example of some great holiday cookies that you can make for any holiday parties that you might be attending or hosting. Please feel free to leave some suggestions for things that you would like to see on this blog as well. The more suggestions the better!

Welcome to Holiday Cookies 101! A brand new blog to learn how to decorate holiday cookies. Our blog is loaded with how-to videos and pictures that can help you get the "store-bought" look, but the satisfaction of knowing they were made by you!