Hawaiian Style Christmas Cookies

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

25 Nov 2007 10:35 AM

A week ago today I was braving the crowds at the grocery store in order to get the ingredients I needed for our Thanksgiving feast. Today, I'll be back at it again. This time to gather the ingredients for all the Christmas cookies I plan to bake in the weeks to come. Weeks... Who am I kidding? Our first round of Christmas parties starts on Saturday, December 1st. My friend and former colleague is hosting a Christmas party in her newly renovated home and I want to get a few batches of her favorite cookies done in time to take to the party.

For those of you who don't know read my regular blogs (Valorie has been kind enough to let me guest blog here) I was born and raised in Hawaii. As a result, many of the recipes I have reflect the spirit of the Islands. The following cookie recipes are no exception. Both include Hawaiian macadamia nuts, which are readily available at supermarkets across the nation. Heck, if I can find them in Wisconsin you will have no problem getting them where you live.

If you are looking to spice up your holidays with some easy Hawaiian inspired treats the following recipes should help out:

HAWAIIAN CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Ingredients:

1 cup butter-flavored shortening

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1-1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 cups quick oats

1 cup shredded coconut

1 cup macadamia nuts-coarsely chopped

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well.

Sift flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually mix into creamed mixture. Stir in remaining ingredients.

Shape into balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets and flatten. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Makes 3 dozen large cookies.

MACADAMIA NUT CHEESECAKE COOKIES

Ingredients:

Crust:

1 cup flour

1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup macadamia nut bits

Filling:

1 egg

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

To make crust: Combine flour, butter and brown sugar. Beat until fine particles are formed. Stir in nuts. Reserve 1 cup for topping. Press remainder into ungreased 8-inch square pan. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

To make filling: Mix ingredients and spread over crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. Cool well, then cut into 16 squares.

Related Articles:

Cookie Exchange: Lebkuchen

Spicy Black Pepper Cookies

Cookie Exchange: Pignoli Cookies

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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