Mint Patties a.k.a Toothpaste Cookies

Another mainstay of Mom's annual Christmas cookie plates was the mint patties. But us kids always called them toothpaste cookies because they are minty like toothpaste and their soft consistency is a bit like toothpaste. But that is where the similarity ends because these mint patties are loaded with sugar. Maybe that is why I always loved these tasty treats.

Now, these mint patties are technically not cookies because there is no need to actually bake them. They are like the inside of a Junior Mint, just without the chocolate. They are simple to make, but do require some time after they are made to dry out. The dough itself reminds me of Play-Doh because it is so easy to shape, such that you could make them into any type of shape, and use multiple food colors to create patterns or shapes. Here, I followed what Mom always did and made the patties using the tines of a fork to make a pattern.

No Cook Mint Patties

• 4 Tbsp. butter, softened
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1 tsp. peppermint extract
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 4 3/4 cup powdered sugar
• food coloring

Thoroughly blend the butter, corn syrup, peppermint extract, and salt. Add the sugar and mix with a spoon and/or hands until blended. If you want to have different color patties, divide the dough now. Add 1 or more drops of food coloring and blend until you have the desired color.

Shape about one tablespoon of dough into a round ball. Place on wax paper and flatten using the tines of a fork. Let the patties to dry for several hours. Enjoy!

Kolacky Cookies

I remember Mom making kolacky cookies at Christmastime. The kolacky is a Czech cookie, and has several spellings. I pronounce it "Klotch-key."

The cookie has several variations, so I should not have been surprised when I looked in Mom's recipe box and found four different recipes for kolacky cookies. When asked, Mom immediately said that she always made the cream cheese kolackys, so that is the recipe here. As for the filling, any sort of fruit preserve will work, so pick your favorite. Mom's recipe calls for adding a little lemon or almond extract to the preserves, creating a nice flavor overall for the cookie.

There are several ways to form the cookies. I remember Mom using the thumbprint method, in which the rolled dough is cut with a round cutter, then using your thumb, make a small indention in the center for the preserves. Another method involves one more step of pulling together opposite sides and pinching the dough to form something of a basket for the preserves. Another option is to use a two-inch round base, with preserves in the center, then a top, also two inches, but with another circle of one inch removed from the center so the preserves peek through. Still another option is to use the thumbprint method, but then fold the unbaked cookie in half and press the edges with a fork to seal. No matter how you form the kolackys, they will be delicious.

Kolacky Cookies

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 package cream cheese
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 1 cup flour

Filling options

• 1/2 cup apricot preserves  + 1/2 tsp. lemon extract; OR
• 1/2 cup strawberry preserves + 1/2 tsp almond extract

Beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Blend in the sugar, then the flour. Roll out the dough to 1/16 inch thick. Cut into desired shape and place onto baking sheet. Place rounded 1/4 tsp. of filling in the center of each cookie. Form shape of cookie, as desired (see note above). Bake at 375 for 8 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy!

Lemon Bars

With another December comes another Christmas cookie recipe. Although this recipe is technically for a bar rather than a cookie, Mom used to make these for her annual cookie plates that she gives out at Christmastime. These lemon bars make a great addition to a plate full of cookies, or can be anytime on their own. MDS's Grandma also used to make lemon bars to be included on her cookie plates. Clearly lemon bars are a Christmas classic.

Lemon bars are very easy to make. Be certain to thoroughly grease the pan. When Mom made these, if the bars did not come out cleanly, those broken bars were for us kids to eat. So, of course we loved the fact that they were difficult to remove.  But next time I make lemon bars, I will likely use parchment paper to line the pan to make it easier to remove the bars. When I made this recipe, I did not have any lemon flavoring, so I just use a little extra lemon juice. They were still so tasty.

Lemon Bars

• 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. lemon flavoring

Spray and 8X8 baking pan with cooking spray. Mix together 1 cup flour with the butter and powdered sugar. Pat the mixture into the pan, using a spatula. Be sure to evenly spread the mixture. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the eggs, 2 tablespoons flour, white sugar, baking powder and lemon flavoring. Pour onto the baked crust. Bake for 25 minutes. Optional: sprinkle with powdered sugar. Allow to cool, then cut into bars. Enjoy!