Fig Holiday Cookie Recipe Contest

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Judging Fig magazine’s 2024 holiday cookie contest was a sweet job, and I’m delighted to share the winning recipes, which are endlessly creative and oh-so delicious!

Counters covered in flour and sugar, the sink full of mixing bowls and spatulas, and the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies wafting from a hot oven—these are the signs of a holiday well spent. For many families, cookie recipes have created wintertime traditions to pass down from generation to generation, and the memories made baking together are ones that last forever.

These are the words that begin the special feature in the latest edition of Fig magazine, which showcases eight delectable heritage recipes that were named winners in the 2024 A Sweet Life holiday cookie contest. The recipes were submitted by Garden Spot Village residents and staff, and I had the pleasure of testing and ultimately judging the many special recipes that were submitted.

It was a big job, so I was thankful for the team of seasoned bakers who I recruited to serve as recipe testers and tasters. When all was said and done, the submitted recipes had been baked multiple times and shared with friends, family, coworkers, community organizations, book clubs, and more. (We take our holiday cookies seriously!)

After all the testing and feedback, I was able to add helpful hints, options, and overall clarity to the recipes, so that anyone who bakes them will have the same level of success and enjoyment as the families and friends of the bakers you see pictured below.

Following are links to the eight winning recipes. I am confident you will appreciate the sheer variety and utter creativity showcased in this collection. With the likes of root beer float cookies, traditional Eastern European pastries, and hot chocolate cookies, just to name a few, your holiday cookie platters will truly sparkle this holiday season. 🎊

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Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies

Nothing is more seasonal than hot chocolate…except maybe peppermint. This recipes combines both for a delicious, brownie-like cookie that may be your new family tradition!

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Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crisp edges, chewy insides, puddles of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a sea salt topping – plus nutty, caramel notes from the browned butter. These chocolate chip cookies are what dreams are made of!

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Swedish Cookies

This classic slice and bake cookie is easy to make and tastes similar to a pecan sandie. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity.

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Holiday Raspberry Chocolate Bars

Simple to make, pretty in color, and customizable with different jams, these festive bars are an easy holiday win!

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Cherry-Orange Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pillowy dough, chocolate, and just the right amount of orange flavor make these cookies soft batch perfection!

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Root Beer Float Cookies

For root beer fans far and wide, this cookie is sure to add intrigue, variety, and fun factor to your holiday cookie platter. (Or Christmas in July?)

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Slovak Kolache (Cold Doughs)

Think of these cookies as a smaller version of a danish, with a flaky, pillowy pastry and dollop of your favorite jam. With cream cheese and no sugar, the unique dough is a highlight. You can tell the cookies are done when you see the golden brown edges.

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Ginger Snaps

Looking for the classic ginger snap recipe? This is it! These cookies are tender and chewy on the inside with a lightly crisp exterior. They're perfectly spiced too – just like your grandmother made them!

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