Oh December! I wait for you every year. A whole month of parties and delicious food!?

I wish it could be like this all year.

This weekend I am participating in one of my favorite traditions… the cookie swap! My girlfriends and I meet up every Christmas with enough flour & butter to spread cheer well into the new year. Pair with wine, hot cocoa, and holiday movies (Love Actually, Home Alone, The Holiday) it doesn’t get much better. While I count down the hours until I get to bake and hang with my fav ladies, I thought this would be a perfect excuse to round-up the cookie recipes I have been eying.

I don’t know where to start!? No bake peppermint patty bars? Chocolate Peppermint Cookies? THE Christmas cookie?

It’s a good bet that I will have a sugar hang-over on Sunday. And for this special occasion, I am perfectly OK with that.

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Recipe and Photo: Shape Magazine 

No Bake Peppermint Patty Bars 

Recipe and Photo: Oh She Glows 

 Citrus Trio Cookies 

This recipe offers both a traditional and vegan version. I love the idea of dipping lemon cookies into chocolate! Fun for kids & parties.
Recipe & Photo Credit: Food Network

Molasses Ginger Cookies

Recipe and Photo Credit: Kathy @ Lunch Box Bunch

The Christmas Cookie

Recipe & Photo Credit: Joanna Vaught

Well, there you have it! 5 amazing Christmas cookie recipes that are worthy of Santa’s plate.

What cookies are you making this year?

I don’t know about you, but it seems that our weekends are suddenly filled with parties to celebrate the upcoming holidays. Work gatherings, cookie exchanges, and cocktail parties all call for fun appetizers to be shared. I have been trying to track down some unique holiday appetizers that I can bring, and these all fit the bill. While I love a big bowl of dip, I appreciate bite sized-hand held appetizers. They seem classier and aren’t as much of a mess. Plus, I have been stocking up on trays from antique and vintage shops and love the idea of passing these out.  Share your favorite appetizer in the comments below.

Spiced Almonds

Who doesn’t like nuts? (Well, except those that are allergic.) Best of all, they double as hostess gifts. Bring a bag to leave!
Recipe and Photo Credit: Food Network, Ellie Krueger

Lasagna Bites

Who can resist itty-bitty lasagna pockets? Perfect finger food for a cocktail party. Dip in pesto or tomato sauce for a Holiday theme.
Photo and recipe credit: Crustless Quiche a Week

Grapefruit Crudo

I love this appetizer idea! Thinly sliced pieces of grapefruit, avocado, capers topped with good-quality olive oil. Simple and impressive.
Photo and recipe credit: Herbivoracious

Leek and Mushroom Croquettes

I love the idea of croquettes. Small, they are the perfect bite-size appetizer. Make them larger for a main entree paired with a soup or salad.
Recipe and Photo Credit: Food & Wine

 Sweet Potato Bites with Cilantro Aioli

Everything is better on a stick! Try these sweet potato cubes with cilantro dip.
Recipe and Photo Credit: Rx4Foodies