This is what heaven must smell like

On December 23 of every year, you can find me in the kitchen baking Christmas cookies. I put on some Christmas music and my favorite apron and get to work. I have the same repertoire of recipes and every now and then, switch things up a bit.

This year, I baked a recipe I found on blogging buddy, Dlyn’s site and fell in love with the scent that was emanating from my oven. Oh.  My.  God.

Please meet my new favorite holiday cookie: Lemon Spice Brownies.

These  bar cookies have a hint of cardamom and ginger and combined with the lemon and toasted walnuts, they made the whole house smell like heaven.

And then I put these little numbers in the oven. My son requested them and I was only too glad to oblige.

These are Orange Iced Cranberry Cookies. I don’t remember where I acquired this recipe, probably from a friend years ago, but it’s one of our absolute favorites here at the Casa de George. Here it is just for you.

ORANGE ICED CRANBERRRY COOKIES

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 1/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

• Combine sugars, butter, sour cream, vanilla, and eggs.
• Add flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
• Gently stir in cranberries and nuts. Don’t overmix.
• Spoon by tablespoon 2” apart on lightly greased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 11-13 minutes until golden brown.
• Let cool, then frost with icing (below).

ORANGE ICING

2 cups confectioner’s sugar

1 tsp. melted butter

1 tsp. orange zest

2-3 tbsp. orange juice

• Combine all to spreading consistency.

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I’ll be taking a couple of days off from blogging to spend with my family and friends. Hope you have a wonderful holiday and I’ll see you when I get back.

Cheers!