Tick Tock, Tick Tock … Cookie Walk count down

A Brazen Appeal from the Eagle

Cookie Walk has a way of sneaking up on us. You see, every seven years or so the first Saturday of December just happens to occur during the first three days of the month, and the Cookie Walk is all of a sudden right in front of us.

So for all of us who work best under pressure, it’s about time to do some of our best work by producing the mountain of cookies that makes the Cookie Walk such a huge success. It’s also time for us to remind our friends and families that the big day is imminent, so it’s not over before they realize it’s coming.

Below are two recipes for your Cookie Walk baking. One features dough that can be frozen ahead of time, and uses cinnamon as an ingredient—and what spice better says “ Christmas” than cinnamon?

Cinnamon Sugar Crinkles

1⁄2 Cup Unsalted Butter-softened
1⁄2 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1⁄4 Cup Molasses
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
2 Cups All-purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1-1⁄2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
1⁄4 Teaspoon Salt
1⁄4 Cup Coarse Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter with brown sugar until fluffy; beat in egg, molasses and vanilla. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; stir into butter mixture. Refrigerate dough for 20 minutes. (May be frozen at this point). Roll about 1 Tablespoon into balls. Roll balls in coarse sugar. Place 1-1⁄2 inches apart on parchment paper lined baking sheets. Bake in a 350°F oven until puffed and crackly, about 9 minutes. Let cool on pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to rack and cool completely.

Bourbon Balls

A “no bake, no fuss” recipe: Bourbon Balls offer up a powerful punch while packaged in a small bite. These sweet, no-bake treats are a favorite gift and a perfect nibble for parties.

1 (12oz) package vanilla wafers, finely crushed 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
3⁄4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1⁄2 cup bourbon
2 1⁄2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Powdered sugar for rolling

Stir first four ingredients together in a large bowl. In another bowl, stir together bourbon and corn syrup. Add bourbon mixture to wafer mixture. Roll into 1 inch balls, roll in powdered sugar. Cover and chill up to two weeks.

Of course, cookies are the central ingredient to a successful Cookie Walk, but we also need your help in other areas. We need items for the children’s table and gift table, all varieties of greens, and your help as a volunteer. A really fun day for volunteers is Tuesday, November 28th when we will be creating over 60 wreaths and arrangements. No experience needed. Please check out the Cookie Walk table in the Cadwalader Room for upcoming dates, volunteer sign-up sheets, baking tips and more. Thanks awfully! ISAAC EAGLE