Friendly Fire: Christmas Cookies
Lord, lord lord…
Christmas Cookies…
The most memorable thing I did yesterday was get my nails done and make Christmas Cookies.
And the nail feature is only referenced because my nails are now shiny.
Super shiny.
Fucking glittery gold, sparkly, shiny.
Like, I don’t even need a fucking receipt.
This is proof enough.
The other thing though…
Ok, so here’s what happened.
I was up late Sat night as usual, shut up Grazza.
Which means Sunday morning I woke up late..
Like 1 pm type late.
Given that natural light only exists until 4pm in the winter over here.
AND that I had to do a style shoot,
I was a little stressed for time.
3 hours is nothing to play with.
Especially when it comes to Marta.
I’m just gonna pause here so everyone can go, “God…Ah Gad..”
Because you know Marta right?
You should.
She is my blogging sister and fellow psycho, albeit much more controlled than I.
Marta is the absolute shit and doesn’t play around when it comes to food.
Like she fucking emailed me last night telling me she was considering paying mad money to take this Food Photography Class.
She goes, “Hey…you better be working on those cookies because I think I’m going to take this class – so I can learn how to kill the food blogger game on a grand scale.”
This bitch means business.
Which is why it behooves you…and me…to make nice with her :).
And this is the second time now, she has challenged me to create my interpretation of a classic food.
The last time we played this game, we made Mussels and Fries.
And it is insane how awesome it turned out.
One of my more popular publications.
Cray.
On the other hand, she and I are very much alike.
So I felt like it was time to shuffle the cards again and talk a little shit.
Because that’s what friends do…right?
We settled upon Christmas Cookies.
Which means, as soon as we made the deal, every blogger and their fucking grandma was making Christmas Cookies.
Really guys?
Really??
*shaking my damn head*
When it comes to Christmas traditions, I’m a bit indifferent.
I had a weird childhood when I was a kid.
Christmas wasn’t anything special.
It was ok.
Ok.
My mom is always like, “You sure have a selective memory.”
And I’m always like, “Naaah…I don’t think so.”
Then she says something that makes me feel bad for saying that and I renege.
Mom – I know you’re reading this so for Christmas, I want a Memory Tracking device.
This doesn’t exist yet, I know.
I haven’t created one.
But I still want it…
And don’t worry mom, I’ll still get you that perfume you want.
Angel something..
Magic Angel?
Angel Flower…?
Angel Dust?
No wait, that’s a drug.
Anyway these cookies.
By nature, I’m not really a sugar or a chocolate person.
So by default, I was already leaning towards something quick and light.
Because remember, time was a factor.
So I scoured Epicurious until I came across this recipe.
And I fell for it immediately.
Knowing that this has that gently sweet, gooey-in-the-middle, brownie thing going on,
And that total time invested is about 45mins, I was all over it.
My only adaptation to this recipe was eliminating Vanilla Extract.
I forgot to buy some.
And who knows what this would be like if it had it.
Go back to Epicurious for guidance on that.
I didn’t invent new shit.
I did however, double the portions and I’m glad I did because had I not,
I would have gotten about 12 cookies from this.
Doubling up gave me 24.
And since the challenge is Christmas Cookies, I served this with milk.
Coconut milk though because I’m anti-lactose .
And I mean…it’s coconut milk…
Hello..
That shit is the bomb.
Christmas Cookies
What I Used
2, 2oz Unsweetened Chocolate Bars. ½ cup All Purpose Flour. 1½ Stick of Unsalted Butter. 1 cup Granulated Sugar. 2 Large Eggs. ½ cup Pistachios Nuts. 1 tsp Almond Extract. 1 Pinch Salt.
What I Did
So first move around the racks of your oven so that it is in the lowest third of oven.
Then preheat to 350°F.
Lightly butter 2 baking sheets.
You’ll go through 4 in total.
In a small pot, melt the chocolate and butter under low heat until just melted.
Epicurious says to melt this in the microwave but I don’t like that shit.
Mix until smooth.
Remove from heat.
Add in the sugar and eggs.
Whisk until smooth, about 1 minute.
Add in the flour, almond extract and salt.
Stir to blend.
Then let the mixture stand for about 10 minutes.
Do some clean up in this time – you know the drill.
After about 10 mins, scoop rounded spoonfuls of the cookie batter onto the greased baking sheets.
Make sure to space them well apart because they spread easily.
Spray a separate sheet of plastic wrap lightly with nonstick spray.
Place, sprayed side down, over cookies.
Then using your fingers, lightly press each mound till it flattens just a little bit.
Remove plastic wrap.
Crush the pistachios.
Then sprinkle pistachios over the rounds, gently pressing them in.
Bake cookies, 1 sheet at a time in bottom 3rd of the oven, until slightly darker at edges and firm in center.
About 7 minutes.
Let cool on the sheet for a couple mins.
Then transfer cookies to rack to cool completely.
Serve with Milk 😀
Don’t forget to check out what Marta did.
Her pictures make me soooo jealous.
Plus you can get a taste of Christmas all the way from Luxembourg.
Oh, and if you want to join the fun and have a little friendly, trash-talking competition, by all means shoot me an email.
Now, Dear Santa…
About that memory tracking device…
Haha Sister!!! We made it again!! Beautiful pictures Dana, very elegant and stylish! It’s snowing here today- first time. Lovely Christmas atmosphere- hugs and kisses!
Hahaha!
We’re literally twinsies.
Your BF is going to think I’m crazy lol
Dana, you tell the story of food so deliciously. They look delicious. Happy New week. Cheers. Mojisola
http://www.mojintouch.com
Why thank you Mojisola!!
Kind of like the way you talked about how to take better pictures.
So informative and so beautifully written.
Have a good week too babygirl 🙂
Your posts never fail to impress. As always, I love the photos!! The cookies look delicious… I really need to start baking again.
Hey Diana!!
Thank you hotstuff!!
Have a great day 🙂
Always a great laugh and dope pics! Oh Dana how I Love you!
Well shuucks 😀
Yummy! I need this right now. I’m bored in this meeting (as I’m writing you this message- lol). #SorryNotSorry
Hahahaha!
I do that ALL the time lol!
Currently playing hookie from work 😀
LOL. BTW, check your email when you have time. 🙂
Yes Ma’am 😊😊
Loving your photos there Ms Cake. Being a big fan of the biscuit, these look quite the business.
Thank you kindly madam. Taking the rest of these bad boys to work tomorrow.
You’re right I am reading this !yet I made you guys Christmas cookies all the time for Christmas ha ha !! these cookies look good! Since I love pistachios I probably would’ve rolled the whole cookie around in the pistachios and then flattened it out!! as for my Christmas present …get it right Aerin perfume! Thanks for not sending me angel dust🔔
Aerin!!!
That’s right mom! That’s what it is!
Now who makes that again? 😁😁
I’ll send you the dust for your birthday 🎂
Haha! Brilliant! And looks amazing!!!
Thank you love!!
Have a great day!!
Oh yum I love me some pistachio! I’m on vacation right now with my grandparents at an all inclusive hotel and I can’t even believe how many times I can attack a buffet in one day! There were some brownies earlier that I passed up, now I know what I’m gonna be getting at the dessert table tomorrow.
http://www.danikamaia.com
Hahaha!!
Those all inclusive one are dangerous but sooooo necessary!!
xxx
I love love love your blog… major obsession happening over here.. going to stop at the market on the way home and get the ingredients for these they look so delicious… If your interested I have a giveaway happening on my blog right now.
Hahaha, that’s totally ok.
Go right on ahead and obsess 😀
I’ll be happy to pop by your blog too!
xx
YUM looks amazing! Great pix:) Xo
Thank you!!
xx
Oh I haven’t slept in until the afternoon in a long, long time. Even when I party til late. I usual wake up at dawn and then take numerous naps if the day allows.
I don’t like using the microwave unless I have to either.
I see how you’ve spaced your cookies far apart. When I make cookies, I never space them far apart enough and I usually end up with 1 giant mutant looking cookie. I guess I just need to invest in more trays because these look dope.
Merry Christmas to you sweetie cookie face.
xx Genie
Oh I love pet names!!
Thank you Genie 😊😊
Love,
Sweetie Cookie Face
I need these cookies RIGHT NOW!! xxx
They’re like thin, nutty brownies 😊😊
Love that you used the goooood chocolate 😉 it looks divine!!
Yessss, thank you!
xx
First of all…..everyone had a weird childhood. Second the fact that you slept until 1pm makes me extremely envious. Third I need to make these cookies. They are Xmas cookies on steroids. Seriously.
Right?
I’m just pleased my mom commented on the actual perfume to buy.
Running out of time here, Phew!
So, you’re jealous of Marta’s pictures, and I’m jealous of your pictures, so by transitive property, this means that both of you sold your souls to Satan in order to both bake and photograph your baked goods so prettily.
No really, I learned it in math.
The pistachios are the shit, woman!
Dammit Jenny, how’d you get onto us!?
These behind-the-scenes deals are not meant to be spread dammit!!
Thank you 😀
xx
A cookie this simple is all about the quality of ingredients and it looks like you totally rocked it. We drove through Luxembourg many years ago, the boarder guard was a huge dude with a really deep voice, like right out of a movie!
Hahaha!
I wonder what Marta has to say about that?
She’ll probably tell you it was her cousin 😀
Woooooow
Hahaha, thank you 🙂
xx
These cookies look gooood. I really was expecting to see a shot of your nails pressing the batter down though…..? LOL
I was armed in gloves.
I don’t like stuff under my nails 💅 but I may post a shot of them on good ol IG 😊😊
I can tell through suggestions of, “Now it’s time to clean up”, and looking at your working area that you are on top of cleanliness. Just the same, I was expecting to see those “I don’t need no f’ing receipt for theeese nails!” LOL
Haha!
Pic at bottom of this page 😁💅
A few months ago I was trying out a recipe for a cheesecake foam but struggled to figure out the right cookie base–I think I’m going to have to give this one a try and garnish the top with some pistachios.
Hell yeah!
Feel free to come back and link to the finished result if you’re planning on publishing it 😊
Yes ma’am, those are glittery. I agree, a mess of dough just wouldn’t be right under there…
DAMNIT, we are not talking! Why would you do this to me, right after I hate two, okay I won’t lie, three chocolate chip cookies already last night?! Yummmm, welp, tis the season right?! Deliciousness here I come!
xx Cara
Here, here! That’s the spirit! ❤❤
Hey darlin’
Look at you go, baking extraordinaire! I was just looking into what cookies to do for Christmas, so maybe this is the one… keeping in mind, I have ADD when it comes to the thought of making only one. Anyhow, thanks for sharing. Much love & gratitude.
Yes I did too, have ADD. And I almost posted both results heehee😁😁
Oh the pistachios on top are the best! Great recipe Dana, I’m one that can’t pass a chocolate cookie 😉 xo~ Lena
http://www.felinecreatures.com
Too bad yo’re not closer, I’d of brought them over for you 😀
Have a great day Lena 😀
The cookies look awesome! I love the lines: ” Go back to Epicurious for guidance on that.
I didn’t invent new shit.” I was starting to get disappointed there were no shots of your nails holding the damn cookie, until I scrolled…. NICE!
Haha, Bob made me do it lol
You can’t talk about getting your nails in such discriptive details w/out showing them… WTH?!? 😉
Hahaha, fair enough, I stand corrected lol
Hi Dana!
Graet recipe, I will try it for sure. But let me tell you, you have su a nice writing style! I’ve been going through you blog and just put me in a good mood. Can’t stop laughing. Any way, thanks for stopping by my blog
Aw Lety,
You’re so sweet! I’m so glad you’re enjoying my blog, thank you so much for stopping by 🙂
Some days, you just need to laugh at other people 😀
Have a great day!
xxoo
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I love this friendly fire business. That and shiny nails :). Nice one kid
Thank you sir! 😊😊
I would occasionally be up for a cookie (or other type of cooking) challenge with some new friends in the blogosphere. 🙂
Hey now!
Good to know.
Let me know when you feel ready!
A good blogsphere trash talking never hurt nobody 😀