There's something about December that makes me want to wrap my hands around a warm mug of cocoa and pause. Just pause. In our rush to create the perfect holiday experience, we sometimes forget that the most precious moments are unplanned.
Recently, I discovered this truth during an impromptu cookie exchange with friends. What started as a simple afternoon of baking turned into hours of sharing family stories and cherished recipes. My kitchen filled not just with the aroma of butter and vanilla, but with laughter and the kind of connection that happens when women talk openly with each other.
December isn't about perfection—it's about connection. It's about taking those quiet moments between the holiday chaos to really see each other, to share our stories, and to create new memories.
Speaking of memories, here's my favorite quick-and-easy sugar cookie recipe that never fails to bring smiles:
Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes | Bake time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1½ cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg, vanilla, and milk.
- Stir in dry ingredients until blended.
- Roll into balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake 10 minutes or until golden.
Tip: Sprinkle with colored sugar before baking for extra sparkle!
And if you're craving more holiday sweetness, don't forget to check out my newest sweet romance holiday release: Whispers of Holiday Magic in Sweetwater Springs for an amazing snickerdoodle cookie recipe and a heartwarming romance that's sure to brighten your December days.
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What special moments will you create this holiday season?
Josie Riviera is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, historical, and inspirational romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully support husband. They share their home with an adorable Shih Tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovation.
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Thank you for the recipe. And oh the memories ... Christmas indeed comes special moments that are small not big but cherished nonetheless. Gingerbread house making with the kiddo. Or making cookies. I don't know but regardless of the holidays running around to me it seems I can take a moment and breathe and relax. And how sweet it feels compared to during the year.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and a Happy New Year
That is so true, and I love making gingerbread houses with my granddaughters. Christmas is a very special time.
DeleteThose special moments with friends and family are treasured. Just last night my husband and I enjoyed our annual Christmas date with friends who live a little over an hour away. We do so the same thing every year - watch a sweet Christmas pageant and then head to the same restaurant for dinner. We do not get together as often as we would like, so this is always a special night for us. I love a good sugar cookie and this sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteFriends that you've known a long time are often the best friends. Sounds like you had a memorable and festive evening. And, enjoy the cookie recipe!
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