Man oh man…you’d think somebody is getting ready to do some cookie baking or something around here?!
I mean, how often do you see 12+ sticks of butter in your fridge at one time?
Or a toddler who likes to sit inside and stack jars of jellies all by himself…?
But anyways…yes! I AM actually gearing up to do some MAJOR cookie baking this year and I. am. stoked. I haven’t really done as much baking the past two years as I have in years past, and I’ve missed it. Not only do I just love baking in general, but I really enjoy putting together trays and tins full of homemade goodies to give away to friends, family, and co-workers.
So earlier this week I went through my recipe binder, flagged some of my favorites, and wrote up my shopping list.
Yeah, putting together a baking list is no prob, but don’t think I took the time to actually meal plan for us at all this week or anything. Hey…priorities, my friends.
Kidding. Sort of.
So what’s on the list? So far, I’m planning on…
- Crackled Sugar Cookies or Snickerdoodles Cookies – or both. I can’t decide!
- Mexican Wedding Cookies
- Dark Chocolate Turtle Graham Bars
- Oreo Truffles
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Heath Bar Cookies
- Dark Chocolate Mint Chip Cookies using ^^ recipe but with mint/chocolate chips
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (I’ve never shared this recipe, but I WILL. It’s my favorite!)
- Toffee Almond Fudge
- Flourless Milk Chocolate Pretzel Peanut Butter Cookies
- Orange Mocha Cookies
- Possibly some sort of chocolate bark?
Now…whether or not I get to them all? That’s another story. But I’ve got the ingredients, so I’m ready to go!
As far as the rest of life, everything is pretty smooth sailing over here so far this week. On Monday I used up the rest of our leftover turkey to make my favorite Turkey & Veggie Soup and it was delicious, as always.
I’ve really been into cereal this week too. Specifically, these Sweetened Wheat-Fuls from Mom’s Best.
I picked them up at the store last week and they have just been hittin’ the spot.
I cooked up another pretty good meal last night, including a sweet potato and kale casserole that I’ll have some more details on in tomorrow’s post. It was freakin’ delicious.
And yeah, wanna talk about freakin’ delicious? How about this Planters Brittle Nut Medley mix I picked up at the store yesterday.
I knew that I should have just left it on the shelf but mannnnn, is it good.
Kind of a bummer that there’s more pretzels than anything else if I’m going to pay $6.00 for the tin, but I suppose it was still worth it.
As for the workout front, we’re still truckin’ along! I’m thinking I may try out a barre class online later in the week (thanks to those of you who recommended some to me) as my attempt at “shaking things up” towards my Fitbit Challenge for this week.
I haven’t been doing the best at hitting my 10,000 steps/day goal everyday, but I’m doing what I can. Now that it’s so cold out there, I’m much less motivated to get outside for my afternoon walking breaks at work! Plus, many of the workouts that I typically like to do, like T25, don’t always include a ton of steps because they’re more strength based. So I guess this is just a good reminder to remember that steps aren’t everything! As long as you’re moving and doing something good for your body, then that’s all that matters.
Unless you’re in a challenge and participating on a team and don’t want to let your teammates down…then the pressure is on.
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Giveaway Winners Announced!
The winner of the $100 AMEX gift card from the PoachIt giveaway is: Entry #32
https://www.poachit.com/product/412642/Garmin_Nuvi_52LM_5in_Portable_GPS
– All signed up! I would buy the GPS for my boyfriend for Christmas since his just died.The winner of the Customized Ornament giveaway is: Entry #48
– Ahh I love these! I’d love to get a personalized ornament to commemorate this first Christmas with my fiance and his family!
Winners, please email me at sweettoothcourtney at gmail dot com ASAP so I can get you your goodies!!
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Questions for ya today…
- Are you planning on any cookie baking this holiday season? Feel free to link up your favorite recipes! I’m sure we can all always use some new ideas.
- Do you (or do you think you) hit 10,000 steps a day? Do you give yourself goals for hitting a certain number of steps each day/week?
Holly says
Lucas in the fridge <3
Becky @ Olives n Wine says
Oh man, allll of those cookie recipes sound amazing! And I love your pile of baking goodies at Target :) I’m not sure what I’m going to make this year but your list gives me a few great ideas!
Brynn says
I saw a peanut butter snickerdoodle cookie at the store the other day that I am determined to recreate. My husband loves each kind individually, so I know I’ll score major points if I can figure out the lovechild of them!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
haha twelve sticks of butter IS rather impressive! i’ve been on a gooey butter cookie kick lately, but i’m going to attempt to make my own vanilla fudge!!
Courtney says
Oooo vanilla fudge?!?! That sounds delicious!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
You might wanna lock your doors – Paula Deen is gonna raid your kitchen when she sees all that butter!
Courtney says
LOL!!
Torry @ A World Without Wheat says
All those cookies look so good – I cannot wait to see the final products!!
Glad you are going to try a Barre Class – I think I am going to try one of those ones online this weekend too!! Happy Wednesday!
Stacey M. says
I mayyyy try to bake up a couple different types of cookies this year, mostly for the guys that help out my fiance through the year at his shop, and also for our neighbor who always plows the end of our driveway for us. It’s a nice way of saying “Thank You!”. Other than that, I think I’ll leave the rest of my baking for Christmas day … there’s always so many other desserts to eat this time of year!
Concerning the “steps per day” issue … I do believe that the more we can move in general, the better. We all know we should get up and move around more often during the day (I work at a desk too, so I know the pain) but as far as hitting a specific number, that’s just not for me. I agree with you … as long as you are getting in some activity throughout the day (strength workouts totally count!) you are probably doing just fine. I count shopping, house-cleaning, raking the yard, etc. in that category as well. :)
Courtney says
That sounds nice of you! And woah, you do baking on the actual Christmas day?? That’s impressive! But I’m with ya…the desserts are endless this time of year! And I’m not complaining ;)
Stacey M. says
LOL … I guess what I meant to say was I only bake desserts to be eaten on Christmas day. I should have proof-read that before posting … I wouldn’t even dream of trying to bake on Christmas day!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
I am going to try a Barre class soon too. I received a free voucher from a recent conference I attended in AUstin so I am excited to give it a go! Hmm…I have no idea if I get to that many steps or not. I would say yes on most days for when I workout and walk outside. Happy baking!
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
Nice list! I am planning on blogging about all my favorite Christmas cookies too. Last night I made no bake chocolate drop cookies for work, just because. I can’t wait to make chocolate peppermint pudding cookies, more PB blossoms, & some sugar cookies!
Courtney says
No bake cookies are always a plus, haha ;) All of yours sound delicious!
Marielle says
Omg chocolate chip Heath bars…yum! I may have to try out that recipe :) I just did an online physique 57 barre workout and it was great!
Courtney says
They are our FAVORITE over here! Where did you do the workout from? Directly from their site?
Marielle says
Yea just go to their main page and there should be a tab for online workouts!
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine says
I’m on the cookie baking train as well! Yesterday, I made 8 dozen sugar cookies. And I’ve baked up something sweet each day! It’s not the holidays without a cookie a day, right?!
Courtney says
Holy crap, that’s impressive! The cutout ones?!? As much as I love eating those, I try to avoid the whole rolling out and cutting of the dough…way too time consuming for me, haha!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I want to make chewy gingerbread men and snickerdoodles for sure this year!
Courtney says
Ooooo, gingerbread! Yes!! I forgot about those, shoot, haha!
Ash Bear says
All of these cookies sound delicious!! I may have to do some baking this week!
Courtney says
Yes, you do! ;)
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
I can’t wait for that casserole recipe. I’m a casserole lover for sure. Then again, I’m a cookie lover too. You can send those chocolate mint chip ones my way. ;)
Monica says
I am amazed at your list! I’m rooting for you! I can’t imagine baking that many cookies (especially different TYPES of cookies) if I had oodles of spare time, but you work full time and have a toddler! I am not worthy. haha…
Courtney says
Haha, thanks! That’s definitely a lofty goal up there so we’ll see what gets done ;)
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner says
i will have to check these recipes out! Every year my family always bakes cookies for the Detroit fire department. I’m always looking for new cookie recipes to try!
Courtney says
Aww that’s so awesome!! Any good recipes to share??
Sara @ Lake Shore Runner says
Of course!!
-Gum Drop Christmas Cookies: http://ocmomblog.com/gumdrop-christmas-cookie-recipes/
-Cherry Pistachio Cookies (These are my absolute favorite. They were such a hit we made another batch the next day!): http://www.iheartnaptime.net/pistachio-cherry-meltaway-cookies/
-PB Cookie with Chocolate Hershey Kiss (http://www.food.com/recipe/hersheys-kiss-peanut-butter-cookies-191225)
– Pretzel with White Chocolate Peppermint Hershey Kiss and a Green or Red M&M (http://www.lakeshorerunner.com/2014/10/07/treat-tuesday-pumpkin-treats/)
Courtney says
YUM! Thanks for sharing!!
cait @pieceofcait says
YUM these all sounds amazing and has given me ideas!!
Bethany says
I love Christmas cookie baking time!!! And those nuts look delicious!! Now I need to get some :)
Courtney says
They’re dangerous…you’ve been warned ;)
Lizzie @ The Magic Tree says
I will be starting my baking extravaganza next week and am SO excited! I too love baking and sharing my treats with others. Do you have any recs for tins or packaging ideas? I don’t want to spend a fortune, but want everything to look cute.
Courtney says
I sure do! :) https://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/2011/12/03/festive-cookie-gift-packaging/
Lizzie @ The Magic Tree says
Yes! Thank you!
Joanna Smiech says
Quick question – are you planning on having the cookies last until Christmas? I’m always unsure if I bake now how long will they last or if I can freeze any? I normally bake last minute because Im unsure – but that can be a pain since there is SO much to get done! ;) Any tips!?
Koryn @ High Heels & Healthy Alternatives says
Ok, so I can’t wait for the oatmeal raisin cookie recipe (my hubby LOVES them) and the sweet potato and kale casserole recipe! Both sound delicious and I may be able to puree the casserole a bit so my 10 month old can enjoy it too! Win/Win! :-)
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
I can’t wait for holiday baking! As soon as I’m done with finals (next Thursday!!), I’m going home and baking so.many.things. (Not sure what, since I haven’t had time to plan for real, but sallysbakingaddiction.com has never failed me.) I’m irrationally excited.
I do try to hit 10,000 steps, but I’m in college right now, so I walk pretty much everywhere and it’s not hard to go way over 10,000 on any given day. I did notice at Thanksgiving that it’s much harder to get that many steps in when I’m home. Oh, well. I just try to stay active and not worry about it too much :)
Christen Gowan says
I’m so glad you posted this! I’ve been trying to brainstorm some new cookie recipes and I’m definitely going to try the Oreo truffles!
Jasmine @ A cupcake for my thoughts says
Wow, that’s a lot of cookies but it’s totally necessary to bake so many at Christmas time!! I may have to try some of those recipes, they all look delicious! I always have lots of butter and eggs in my fridge just in case I get the urge to bake, which is a lot!! Lucas is just the cutest :)
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I love peanut butter blossoms and these Salted Nut Roll Cookies are a major favorite of mine:
http://www.cleaneatingveggiegirl.com/2013/12/19/almond-peanut-butter-cookies-vegan-salted-nut-roll-cookies/
Sarah says
mmm cookie baking is one of my favorite things about the Christmas season!
I only hit 10,000 steps on days that I run. On rest days, I feel like I really take it to the extreme and don’t move at ALL.
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
I know I walk enough, because I’m on foot in the city of San Francisco! And I’m not doing any baking this year, but sure hope to eat plenty of Christmas cookies. :)
Erin M. says
I LOVE baking, so finding 12 sticks of butter in my fridge isn’t uncommon at all! I’m planning on making a ton of different cookies again this year! I love making trays and giving them to friends and family! I’ve already made pb blossoms and pb with mini Reese’s cups in the middle!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
All your cookies sound so amazing!!! I can’t wait to get to my parents the week before Christmas to help my mom out in the kitchen :) Happy baking!!!!
Liv @ Healthy Liv says
My favorite Christmas bars have toffee bits, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk. They’re SO good!
http://www.melskitchencafe.com/chocolate-chip-toffee-bars-2/
Mandee says
I am totally making those pretzel chocolate chip cookies. I also add Christmas m&ms in. I made them right after u originally posted them and my family loved them.
Also if I just get up, go to work, go to lunch, come home and veg, I get maybe 5000 steps. It’s really bad on those days. It definitely takes effort and a walk at lunch to hit 8 or 10 thousand if I don’t go to the gym!
april @ Simply Sweet Living says
You just made me want to bake some cookies! I have an awesome recipe from a friend of mine for giant chocolate chip cookies that I really want to recreate. Their is a ton of shortening in it. But it tastes oh so delicious. ;)
Stefanie Traynor says
I love your cookie goals!! My friends mother and her sisters recently baked 950 christmas cookies in one day! They started at 7:30 in the morning with mimosas and by the afternoon they had 8 different kinds of cookies they separated evenly in tins to take with them and give to family/friends (and obviously some to keep ;)
Katy @ Have You Hurd? says
I’ll be making chocolate chip cookies from Picky Palate’s s’mores stuffed chocolate chip cookie recipe. They are the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever had! I’ll be adding some red, white and green sprinkles to make them festive. They’ll go to coworkers, neighbors, and the ladies at Henry’s day care.
Here’s the link to the recipe: http://picky-palate.com/2011/02/21/smores-stuffed-chocolate-chip-cookies/
Carrie (This Fit Chick) says
DANG! quite the line up.. im jealous! Can I come over ;)
Carrie (This Fit Chick) says
oh my gosh hope that didnt sound creepy! LOL just re-read that… i meant for the COOKIEs!
Annette@FitnessPerks says
Lucas in the fridge had me giggling!!
BTW if you’re sending any via the mail, I can send you my address. ;)
Julie says
I have so many things pinned but haven’t done as much baking in the last few years. I want to get back in there and try some of those recipes that have been on there for years now!
Jennifer A. says
Thank you so much for sharing these amazing treats!! I’m always in search of new goodies to try for the holidays. My mother and I also have a cookie making tradition each year…can’t wait till Avery can help and join in on the fun! Also wanted to say we LOVED our pictures from Cara…such an amazing time. Hoping to get Christmas cards made w the amazing pics, thanks again!!! Loving reading your blog daily…it’s my mommy time
Courtney says
Awww, THANK YOU, Jenny!! :) I’m so glad the pics came out great! You’ll have to send me one to see ;) Haha, Jay was just telling me the other night how you guys have recently been loving the apple cider drinks and the taco pasta skillet (which we had again last night!) :)
Jennifer A says
Oh yes, both are great! I have to say I enjoyed that cider drink last night after a looonnnggg day w the kiddos
Jolynn @ Lift Pray Love says
You’re making all those cookies? Holy crap girl! Good luck!