We had our annual big Bowman Family Christmas dinner this past weekend + it was delicious and so lovely to be surrounded by family. The kiddies are growing up so fast and the gaggle of little girls playing with each other and twirling around in their beautiful christmas dresses was a highlight for me.
I remember how much fun I had at family Christmas dinners with all my cousins + my crushed velvet and plaid dress that my sister and I both wore (matchy match!). GBB will be running around after his cousins in no time. He enjoyed all the family cuddles + mama enjoyed the food ;)
We have a DIY ornament white elephant exchange every year and it is always is so hilarious. I made these sweet wooden Mr & Mrs Claus ornaments + I wish I had made a set for myself because oh my goodness, they’re so cute. I may have to have another late night crafting session! I was lucky enough to come home with a gold pinecone ornament made by Nana + it is sitting perfectly on our tree!
And now that my Whole3o is over (you can read all about it here), I was able to start some holiday baking! I made Santa’s Cookies to bring over to our family Christmas dinner. These cookies are deliciously chocolatey + so colourful and fun. These will be the cookies that we leave out with some milk for Santa; I’m pretty sure they’re his favourite ;)
Santa’s Cookie Recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (550 ml)
– 1 tsp baking soda (5 ml)
– 1/2 tsp salt (2 ml)
– 1 cup butter (250 ml)
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar (175 ml)
– 3/4 cup light brown sugar (175 ml)
– 2 eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
– 1/2 cup mini white chocolate chips (125 ml)
– 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (125 ml)
– 1 cup green + red M&Ms (250 ml)
* you can add chopped nuts if you want!*
Directions:
– Heat oven to 375ºF (190ºC)
– Stir together flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Add eggs; beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating well. Stir in chocolate chips, and M&Ms. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet (I used rounded tablespoons because I wanted larger cookies!).
– Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.
*Makes 3-5 dozen (depending on the size of the cookies you desire!)*
And, enjoy!
I personally munch on these cookies with a big cup of black coffee in the afternoon while GBB is napping + I am watching a Christmas classic movie or a horribly awesome lifetime made-for-tv Christmas movie.
XO