Cookies and Christmas Cheer

A week ago, I began baking cookies for the Team in Training cookie auction and carried the momentum all the way through Christmas. 

I put together cute cookie tins as gifts for friends, coworkers, and family. In addition to the chocolate chip, world peace, and ginger cookies I made for the generous cookie auction winners, I baked up lemon sugar cookies, cinnadoodles, and chocolate Nutella cookies from Cookie Cravings, the beautiful cookbook from Two Peas and Their Pod. I also made Biscoff snickerdoodles, almond ice box cookies, frosted Christmas tree cutouts, and even banana nut bread and orange cranberry walnut bread. Needless to say, I ran out of butter multiple times, and barely had enough sugar left to sweeten the iced tea to serve on Christmas. I love giving homemade gifts and I always hope they are equally enjoyed by those I love! I didn't photograph a single recipe after finishing the ginger cookies, so I will share some of our Christmas decorations here instead!

Ginger Cookies

I originally made these cookies for my older sister on her birthday a couple of years ago. I discovered them on David Lebovitz’s website, and the recipe sounded great. I love a chewy cookie and these were loaded with spicy ground cinnamon and ginger, candied ginger, and even a little black pepper for extra spice. To top it all off, they are a nonfat treat! 

I love the idea of sandwiching a scoop of ice cream between two cookies. Of course, that would negate the nonfat aspect of these cookies, but a cute little ice cream sandwich would totally be worth it.

Team in Training Cookie Auction

This week, I am hosting an online cookie auction to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through Team in Training! My sister, Melissa, is racing in the Los Angeles Marathon in Spring 2013 and has set a goal of raising $1,550 for patients and families battling blood cancers. I invited her to tell you a bit about her journey and her passion for this organization.