Shopping, decorating, wrapping presents, preparing the house for guests, cooking meals, and then... there are the cookies!
We can't forget about the cookies. After all, what would Santa say?
We are always searching for shortcuts, and finding easy cookie recipes is no exception. We're not ashamed to mix some store-bought with some semi-homemade and call it a day!
Here are four quick and easy cookie recipes to make sure the big man in red leaves your home with a happy "Ho Ho Ho!"
No-Bake Holiday Protein Bites
Kelly Pramberger, Publisher of Macaroni KID Springfield
No-bake protein bites give you energy during this crazy time of year!
 |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oatmeal
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 cup coconut flakes
- ½ cup chia seeds
- 2 scoops of your favorite chocolate protein powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and then use your hands to roll them into balls.
2. Place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper and chill in the freezer for at least two hours.
3. Take them out and make them look fancy by arranging them in a festive tin.
4. Enjoy with a cold glass of milk.
Doctored-Up Ready-to-Bake Cookie Dough
Charlotte Linde, Macaroni Kid EATS! editor
I know, some people think using store-bought dough is cheating. Well, I don't think it is if you add your own touches! Pillsbury came out with a "simply" line that is fantastic. No artificial ingredients and no preservatives.
 |
Here is what I used in the picture to look festive for the holidays, but you can use your favorites!
- Roll of ready-to-bake chocolate chip cookies
- Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- Dried cranberries
Follow the directions on the back of the cookie package, add toppings, and bake!
4-Ingredient Wintertime Cookies
Kelly Pramberger, Publisher of Macaroni Kid Springfield
These super simple cookies will leave your kitchen smelling like a bakery. Thanks to the powdered sugar, they look like they're dusted with snow. They're the perfect addition to your winter fun!
 |
Ingredients:
- 1 tub of whipped topping
- 1 egg
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1 bowl of powdered sugar
1. Preheat oven to 350˚F.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the whipped topping, the egg, and the box of cake mix.
3. Roll the dough by the spoonful into the powdered sugar and then place on a cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 12 minutes.
5. Let cool before storing and eating.
Easy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Charlotte Linde, Macaroni Kid EATS! editor
 |
Ingredients:
- ½ cup chunky or creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1¼ cups quick-cooking oats
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1. Preheat oven to 350˚F.
2. Cream peanut butter, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until light and fluffy.
3. Add oats and baking soda to bowl and mix until well combined.
4. Drop using a small ice cream scoop 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets.
5. Flatten lightly.
6. Bake for about 7 minutes.
7. Cool on a wire rack.
