Christmas Cookies!

First of all, for those that were wondering and praying for me, the Christmas in Denmark party for Friday Footsteps went perfectly. Everyone had a great time and learned a little something too. The craft was challenging, but doable and everyone went home with a bag of Pebber Nodder (tiny Danish spice cookies), a Danish Christmas Heart basket, and a smile on their face. I won't tell you how much fun it was to make 93 dozen peppernuts in a day, but they were enjoyed and appreciated, so it was worth it.

Today marks my final Christmas commitment--a cookie party I'm hosting for a few ladies from my MOPS group! In honor of all my cookie making, I thought I'd post up a few recipes.

First is a family favorite that we've enjoyed at Christmas time since we were kids...

Coconut Date Balls

2 eggs, beaten

1 c. white sugar

1 c. chopped dates

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 T. butter

3 c. Rice Krispies

1 c. flaked coconut

1. In a medium saucepan over MED heat, combine eggs, sugar, and dates. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix in cereal.
3. Butter hands and roll the mixture into walnut-sized balls. Finally, roll the balls in coconut.
4. Store in an airtight container once cooled to room temperature.

This next recipe is a staple Danish cookie that everyone loves. Cardamom is an expensive spice, but if you can visit an ethnic food store (esp. Indian) they will have it in large quantities for next to nothing.

Pebber Nodder (Peppernuts)

1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. ground cardamom
2 tsp. cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, stirring until light and fluffy.
4. Combine the flour, cardamom, and cinnamon. Stir into the sugar mixture just until blended.
5. Separate the dough into six balls.
6. Roll each ball into a rope about as big around as your finger on a lightly floured surface.
7. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces, roll into balls, and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
9. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.