This last year has been challenging, but it's taught us the importance of family, home, and time. In my Magic and Magi post last year, I talked about some of our treasured yuletide traditions, many of which we've had to adapt this year, but now more than ever, taking the time to stay connected and celebrate matters more.

So our huge Trim-a-Tree party may become a Zoom call where we assemble in Christmas pjs, ugly sweaters, Santa hats, and reinder ears to sing carols together.  The group that will gather round the table will be smaller, but we’ll still make the recipes passed down for generations, from cinnamon rolls and english muffins in the morning to the pies for dessert at dinner.

And one tradition that’s grown this year is our cookie exchange!  While we aren’t gathering for a party to ‘shop’ for new favorite cookies and recipes to take home, we’ve spread the tradition to neighbors and co-workers, taking baked goods to doorsteps to share the joy of the season.  And what we’re making has expanded, too.  In addition to favorites like sugar, lizer, Texas two-step, salted caramel scotchies, and white chocolate cranberry cookies, we’ve added mini pies, smoked chex mix, macarons, and more!

One of the cookies I’ve especially enjoyed making this Christmas are Linzer cookies.  They’re so festive and pretty.  There are several variations on the recipe, and you can mix up the flavor further by changing the filling with different jams, nutella, chocolate or any family favorite.

Below is the recipe I used this year:

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