Christmas Trash Cookies: A Holiday Tradition With A Twist

Christmas Trash Cookies: A Holiday Tradition with a Twist

Christmas Trash Cookies: A Holiday Tradition with a Twist

Introduction

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Christmas Trash Cookies: A Holiday Tradition with a Twist

Christmas is a time for joy, family, and indulgence. And what better way to celebrate than with a sweet treat that’s both festive and delicious? Enter Christmas trash cookies, a beloved holiday staple that has become a tradition in many households.

Origins of Christmas Trash Cookies

The origins of Christmas trash cookies are shrouded in mystery, but one popular theory suggests that they were first created during the Great Depression. At a time when resources were scarce, homemakers sought ways to use up leftover ingredients and create something sweet for their families.

Another theory attributes the creation of Christmas trash cookies to the American tradition of "cookie exchanges." In the 1950s and 1960s, it became popular for neighbors and friends to gather and exchange homemade cookies during the holiday season. To ensure that everyone had something to contribute, people would often use up leftover ingredients to create unique and festive treats.

Why Are They Called "Trash" Cookies?

The name "trash cookies" may seem a bit off-putting, but it actually refers to the eclectic mix of ingredients that go into them. Traditional Christmas trash cookies often include a combination of oats, flour, sugar, butter, eggs, nuts, dried fruit, and candy pieces.

The idea behind the name is that these cookies are a "hodgepodge" of whatever ingredients you have on hand. Just like a trash can can hold a variety of discarded items, a Christmas trash cookie can accommodate a wide range of flavors and textures.

The Joy of Christmas Trash Cookies

Despite their unassuming name, Christmas trash cookies have become a beloved holiday tradition for several reasons:

• Nostalgia: For many people, the taste and smell of Christmas trash cookies evoke memories of childhood holidays and family gatherings.
• Versatility: The beauty of Christmas trash cookies lies in their adaptability. You can use any combination of ingredients you like to create a unique treat that suits your taste buds.
• Creativity: Christmas trash cookies provide a great opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. You can experiment with different flavors, textures, and decorations to make your own signature recipe.
• Community: The tradition of cookie exchanges and holiday baking has helped foster a sense of community and togetherness during the Christmas season.

Tips for Making Christmas Trash Cookies

Making Christmas trash cookies is a relatively simple process, but here are a few tips to ensure success:

• Use quality ingredients: While Christmas trash cookies are meant to be a bit eclectic, it’s still important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
• Chill the dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps to firm it up and prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
• Bake to golden brown: The edges of the cookies should be golden brown when they are done baking.
• Let the cookies cool: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them.

Decorating Christmas Trash Cookies

Once your Christmas trash cookies are baked, you can decorate them to your heart’s content. Some popular decorating ideas include:

• Sprinkles: Sprinkle colored sprinkles on top of the cookies while they are still warm.
• Candy melts: Dip the cookies in melted candy melts and then add sprinkles or other decorations.
• Royal icing: Outline or flood the cookies with royal icing and then decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or other embellishments.
• Snowflake cutouts: Use snowflake-shaped cookie cutters to create edible snowflakes that you can place on top of the cookies.
• Christmas tree sprinkles: Add festive Christmas tree-shaped sprinkles to the tops of the cookies.

Christmas Trash Cookies: A Recipe for Holiday Cheer

Here is a classic recipe for Christmas trash cookies to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 cup dried fruit (optional, such as raisins, cranberries, or cherries)
• 1 cup chopped candy pieces (optional, such as M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, or chocolate chips)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the oats, nuts, dried fruit, and candy pieces (if using).
7. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Christmas trash cookies are a delightful and versatile holiday treat that has become a beloved tradition in many households. Whether you prefer them plain, decorated, or somewhere in between, these cookies are sure to bring joy and cheer to your Christmas celebration. So gather your loved ones, put on some holiday music, and bake up a batch of Christmas trash cookies to share and enjoy.

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