We all know the holidays aren’t complete without eating some decadent treats. From fudgy cakes, pies, and tart jams, everyone loves indulging in some delicious sweets during the festive season. That’s why cookie swaps are also a popular game at many Christmas gatherings and parties. At these swaps, each guest is asked to bring a different cook so everyone can sample a variety of baked treats. It’s an amazing way to celebrate this jolly time of year and get your loved ones in the holiday spirit. Of course, whether you’re hosting or attending one of these fun swaps, it’s important to show up with a tasty recipe your friends and family will love. Here’s a list of our three favorite cookies featuring honey sticks that are sure to wow and make you the star at your next cookie swap.
Frosted Honey Christmas Cookies
Frosted cookies are a Christmas must-have! Substitute regular honey for flavored honey sticks to elevate the traditional flavors of this holiday classic that everyone at your holiday party is bound to enjoy.
Ingredients For Cookies
- 2 ¼ Cups all-purpose flour
- ½ Cup butter at room temperature
- ½ Cup honey
- ¼ Cup sugar
- ½ Teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ Teaspoon salt
- 1 Egg
Ingredients For Frosting
- 1 Cup powdered sugar
- ¼ Cup butter
- 2 Tablespoons honey sticks for tea
- ½ Tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees and prepping the dough for the cookies. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Next, take a separate bowl and beat together the butter and sugar using a paddle attachment, followed by the honey and egg. Once all your wet ingredients are combined, fold in the dry ingredient mixture. Next, allow your finished dough to sit in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. When the dough is ready to bake, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and divide your dough into 24 evenly sized cookies. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes.
While your cookies are baking, work on the honey frosting. Place the butter and honey in a bowl and use a mixer to whip them together. At this point, gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the frosting reaches a fluffy consistency. If desired, add food coloring for an extra festive kick. Finish the frosting by pouring in the heavy cream and combing. Once your cookies have baked and cooled down, you are ready to frost. Use a pastry or sandwich bag to place the frosting on the cookies and finish up by topping with your favorite Christmas-themed sprinkles.
Chocolate Pierniczki
Impress the crowd at your cookie swap by introducing them to this delicious traditional Polish gingerbread cookie with a chocolate twist.
Ingredients For Cookies
- 3 Cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Cup honey sticks
- 1 Cup sugar
- 3 Tablespoons water
- 2 Teaspoons baking soda
- 1 Teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon ginger
- ½ Teaspoon cloves
- 2 Eggs
Ingredients For Glaze
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 4 Ounces butter
- 4 Ounces chopped semisweet chocolate
Instructions
Begin this recipe by mixing the baking soda into the water. Next, take a large bowl and whisk together the sugar and eggs. Once combined, whisk in the honey, water and baking soda paste, and spices. In the same bowl, slowly mix in the flour and continue whisking. When the dough reaches a stiff texture, cover in cling wrap and set for 30 minutes. Next, take the opportunity to prep your baking materials- preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. After the dough is done resting, roll it out to a quarter-inch thickness and use Christmas themed cookie cutter to shape the cookies. Carefuly transfer your cookies onto the baking tray and place them in the oven to bake for about 10 minutes.
Before moving onto the glaze, wait for the cookies to cool completely and have them lined up ready to decorate. This glaze will dry fast, so it’s best to be prepared to ice your cookies as soon as possible. To make this topping, microwave all three ingredients together for 10 seconds, remove, and mix. Continue these steps until the ingredients are softened and stir until completely smooth. Now, you’re ready to decorate the cookies and ice them with the glaze as you wish.
Walnut Spice Cookies
Packed full of spices and crunchy walnuts and topped with a simple honey glaze, these cookies are bursting with flavor, making them the cookie to feature at a holiday swap party.
Ingredients For Cookies
- 2 Cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Cup butter at room temperature
- 1 Cup dark brown sugar
- 1 Cup grounded walnuts
- ¾ Cup sugar
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 ½ Teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon ginger
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ Teaspoon baking soda
- ½ Teaspoon allspice
- ½ Teaspoon cloves
- 1 Egg
Ingredients For Glaze
- 1 Cup powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 2 Tablespoons milk
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Next, beat together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and honey using a paddle attachment on a stand mixer. Once the mixture reaches a smooth and fluffy consistency, add in the egg and vanilla and continue beating. In a separate bowl, sift the baking soda, flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Evenly mix these ingredients together along with the walnut grounds. Finally, gradually mix in the dry ingredients mixture in small batches to the wet ingredients using a stand mixer set to a low speed. Continue mixing until the dough fully forms. Next, you’re ready to bake the cookies. Split the dough into 18 cookies and place them onto parchment-lined baking trays. Move your trays into the oven and allow the cookies to bake for about 13 to 15 minutes.
To make the glaze, simply beat together all three ingredients until evenly combined and smooth icing forms. Once your cookies have cooled, use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over their tops.