by Victoria Hamel
Christmastime is truly the most wonderful time of the year. What could be better than spending some of that time making magic? Wait, you didn’t know you have all the tools to create wonder and joy right in your kitchen? It all starts with butter, eggs, and flour.
You guessed it cozy sleuth, I’m talking about Christmas Cookies! Each year, I look forward to making my favorite recipes to share with family and friends. When you think about it, cookies are a lot like cozy mysteries. You can’t just read one, they give you all feels, and can transport you back home even if you are miles away.
Do you have a favorite cookie? My favorite Christmas cookie, the Spritz Cookie, is a simple cookie. You don’t even need to add baking powder or soda! And you can make in hundreds of different ways. Spritz cookies are traditionally made with a cookie press and have a buttery almond flavor. If you asked me, “Victoria, what does Christmas taste like?” I’d shove a Christmas Tree shaped spritz cookie in your mouth!
Cookies are cozy goodness, easy to share and enjoy, just like our beloved cozy mysteries! Do you have a favorite cookie themed cozy?
Below are some recommendations from me and a link to a classic spritz cookie recipe!
Leslie Meier’s A Christmas Cookie Murder. This cozy was written in 1999, so if you are looking for a nostalgic pre-social media and smartphones read, check this out!
Darci Hannah’s Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off. My recommendation is make sure you have cookies on hand when reading this one because you’ll be hankering for a cookie or twelve!
Ellie Alexander’s A Cup of Holiday Fear is on my TBR for this year’s 12 days of Cozies.
And you can’t go wrong with Sarah Fox’s Baking Spirits Bright! This is another book that features a baking competition!
My Spritz Cookie recipe is the classic spritz cookie recipe on the Betty Crocker website.
I do make one change when I use this recipe; I add a teaspoon of both vanilla and almond extract. Cookie presses are inexpensive and fun to use. They come with a variety of cookie shapes you can make for any holiday throughout the year. My favorite shape is the Christmas Tree. To the right is a picture of a cookie tray I made a few years ago.
Merry Reading and Season’s (Cookie) Eatings!
ABOUT VICTORIA HAMEL
Victoria Hamel lives in the Chicago area with her husband, three college-age kids and Bowie the dog. She writes small-town romance that she describes as cozy romance with a hint of spice. She is a member of the Chicago North Romance Writers Group and Sisters in Crime. Victoria has a cozy mystery series in the works for 2026.
“No Gouda Without You” is the first book in the Marley Creek Romance series. Book four, “It App-ened One Night will be out January 2025.
