Like many people, when I visit someone's home I hate to arrive empty handed. I generally don't like to bring a wine, because if they're anything like my parents, then they have very specific ideas about the wines that they like to drink. Generally, I like to bring something that I've baked, but if I don't know my hosts very well then I get a little concerned about what to make. Some people don't like chocolate, some are allergic to nuts, some don't like berries. My biggest fear is that I'll bring something that my host won't enjoy. So, in that situation, I look for cookies like these vanilla malted cookies from Martha Stewart's
Cookies book. I'm sure he/she exists, but I have yet to meet a person who doesn't like vanilla.
These cookies are a cinch to mix together. Then all that's left to do is pipe them into little ribbons on the cookie sheets. They don't spread that much, so you can fit quite a few on a sheet. If you don't have a pastry bag and tip, I think that this dough would work very nicely in a gallon size zipper bag. One note on piping this dough out: don't attempt to pipe all of the dough at once. In other words, put about 1/4 -1/3 of the dough in the bag at a time. I have a large pastry bag that I use for piping meringue, frosting -- things that are big in volume. I cheekily put the whole batch of dough in that big pastry bag, and, ohmygosh, was it ever hard to pipe out. The dough is way, way to stiff to use in such a large bag. I ended up using a rubber band towards the bottom of the bag to make it work, but next time I'll do it in batches and save myself the workout. Sheesh!
Thanksgiving is on Thursday, and then the full holiday swing begins. These cookies are great for holiday cookie occasions of all sorts because the recipe makes a huge batch of these elegant little cookies, about 6 dozen in all. Of course I tasted a few, and they're very good! The malt flavor comes through and there is a caramel undertone to the cookies. I think these cookies have a welcome place on the side of a teacup or a coffee cup, or even with some hot chocolate. For that matter, they could certainly be dipped in some melted semisweet chocolate if you so desire, but I think that I would leave them plain. I boxed mine up as part of a hostess gift, and they were very well received. If you're interested, click
here for the recipe.
Like many people, when I visit someone's home I hate to arrive empty handed. I generally don't like to bring a wine, because if they're anything like my parents, then they have very specific ideas about the wines that they like to drink. Generally, I like to bring something that I've baked, but if I don't know my hosts very well then I get a little concerned about what to make. Some people don't like chocolate, some are allergic to nuts, some don't like berries. My biggest fear is that I'll bring something that my host won't enjoy. So, in that situation, I look for cookies like these vanilla malted cookies from Martha Stewart's Cookies book. I'm sure he/she exists, but I have yet to meet a person who doesn't like vanilla.
These cookies are a cinch to mix together. Then all that's left to do is pipe them into little ribbons on the cookie sheets. They don't spread that much, so you can fit quite a few on a sheet. If you don't have a pastry bag and tip, I think that this dough would work very nicely in a gallon size zipper bag. One note on piping this dough out: don't attempt to pipe all of the dough at once. In other words, put about 1/4 -1/3 of the dough in the bag at a time. I have a large pastry bag that I use for piping meringue, frosting -- things that are big in volume. I cheekily put the whole batch of dough in that big pastry bag, and, ohmygosh, was it ever hard to pipe out. The dough is way, way to stiff to use in such a large bag. I ended up using a rubber band towards the bottom of the bag to make it work, but next time I'll do it in batches and save myself the workout. Sheesh!
Thanksgiving is on Thursday, and then the full holiday swing begins. These cookies are great for holiday cookie occasions of all sorts because the recipe makes a huge batch of these elegant little cookies, about 6 dozen in all. Of course I tasted a few, and they're very good! The malt flavor comes through and there is a caramel undertone to the cookies. I think these cookies have a welcome place on the side of a teacup or a coffee cup, or even with some hot chocolate. For that matter, they could certainly be dipped in some melted semisweet chocolate if you so desire, but I think that I would leave them plain. I boxed mine up as part of a hostess gift, and they were very well received. If you're interested, click here for the recipe.
12 comments:
Oooh - I remember making those. They were good! And how sweet you are, taking a hostess gift. I do the same thing, but I seem to be in the minority in my social circle.....
No matter, enjoy the cookies - and definitely try the ccc - they are worth it!
Your blog is becoming my go-to place for practical, helpful, baking ideas. These cookies look perfect for holiday gift giving, for all of the reasons that you cite. Yay for universally-loved cookies!! I know your recipients were glad to have those pretty packages of yumminess.
I love the way these cookies look. Now I really want to make some sort of cookie that I can pipe out. I wonder if I could make them without the malt--not one of my favorite flavors.
What cute boxes and ribbons! The cookies look great and simple to make! Im with Nancy you do have some great ideas for baking and gift giving too!
Yep the waffles were not that good, but others have liked them so who knows what you'll think!
Ok these cookies are super cute! When I first opened your post and saw the fun shape I was wondering how in the world you did it. Piping! I am definitely going to try these this holiday season. I have no doubt these were very well received, especially the way you've packaged them so nicely!
J-Mo...these look amazing! WHOAH!
I am thinking of a nice present for my friends this Christmas. I think this is something perfect for a gift. Personalized and made from the heart!
What beautiful cookies! I'll definitely have to try these out. I love the way you piped them and packaged them. A wonderful gift!
Great post! I agree, it's always nice to arrive at the door with a host(ess) gift. I certainly do appreciate receiving them as well :) These look like the perfect one-size-fits-all of the cookie genre. Cute and ribboned from the pastry tip, and sure to please. Thanks for sharing.
WONDERFUL! I want to try these...I love easy cookies and any chance to pipe out anything with a pastry bag is fine by me ;) I love your little bags!! I need to get some of those! Where on earth did you find them!?
These look really great. I love all your ideas on this and thanks for showing the packaging, always needs ideas in that line as I am not creative. Vanilla, hip hip hooray!
I've had my eye on these - now I have to try them. Your packaging is gorgeous, too. Nice job, Jessica!
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