What are you up to this weekend friends? Sarah and I are closing up the kitchen and traveling to spend the holiday with our families. We are both so excited to see our siblings and parents and share in the week of cooking, decorating and cozy traditions. When I think about my highlights of the week before Christmas I noticed a strong theme… cookies!

I’m looking forward to decorating gingerbread men and women with my mom this weekend as we’ve done almost every year my entire life.

Since childhood I’ve been OBSESSED with the jam galettes from Harry & David and my lovely Grandma always keeps them in stock this time of year, chilled in her fridge for when I visit. Almond-y butter cookies sandwiching tart and sweet jam, be still my heart.
photo by Nancy Blum
When we get to Atlanta, I always love helping bake these incredible sugar cookies that are a Christmas tradition in Drew’s family. Buttery, sweet and light, the recipe has been in the Howerton family for many generations (the secret ingredient is buttermilk!)
photo by Nancy Blum
Another heirloom Howerton family cookie recipe I crave are these gingersnaps. The perfect balance of sweet and spice. The photos above are from the dessert buffet at our wedding where Drew’s incredible Aunts baked dozens of these signature family cookies and shipped them across the country for our big day.

My newest cookie fantasy is these double chocolate peppermint cookies from December’s Bon Appetit that I want to try. There is always room for new cookie traditions this time of year!
xo,
LEH