The Legend of the Christmas Cookie {My Favorite Cookie Recipe} #FCBlogger

**Thanks so Family Christian for sponsoring today's post. All thoughts are my own.

It should be no secret that I absolutely, positively love everything about Christmas. I love the music, I love magic, I love the traditions, and I love the books. There are so many great kids books to read at Christmastime. Some are just filled with magic and fun, but I particularly love those books that take those holiday traditions and symbols we all know and love and use them to teach kids valuable lessons about the true spirit of Christmas.

Take The Legend of the Christmas Cookie for example.

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie tells the story of a young boy named Jack who learns from his generous mother the story behind the Christmas cookie. The family who began the tradition of baking the special cookies gave them to the needy and shared the story of the very first Christmas. This sweet holiday book offers inspiration for readers to become cheerful givers themselves and encourages them to share the true tale of Jesus' birth. A delicious recipe is included on the jacket flap so readers can make their own Christmas sugar cookies.

I don't know about you, but I love making Christmas cookies! It truly is such a fun experience for the whole family to enjoy together. And the end result is delicious too. But as much as I love Christmas baking, I never saw it as an opportunity for learning too! But this story gives us a great place to start! We can read the book, bake the Christmas cookie recipe given in the book and nativity cookie cutters (available in store at Family Christian) and use them to remind ourselves and others the story of Christ's birth. What a great tradition this truly is!

The learning from Christmas cookies doesn't have to end there though. In the book, the cookies tell the story of Christ's birth, but it also shares a story of giving! As much as Jack wanted to keep and eat the cookies for himself, he learned why it is important to give to others and share God's love. This is one lesson that we can apply to whatever cookies or treats we decide to make each year. And when we get kids to join us in the kitchen, not only are we making fantastic holiday memories that will last for years to come, but we are getting them personally involved in the giving too!


Bake, place in a fun and festive container and give to everyone on your list! It's an inexpensive gift that lets your loved ones know that you thought of them!

In the spirit of giving, I want to share with you one of my favorite cookies. These were a treat that my great grandmother used to make so they are not just delicious- they're sentimental too! I hope you enjoy them and they bring your family as much joy as they have mine.

Great Grandma Hartloff's Dish Pan Cookies

(Makes 10-12 Dozen)

• 2 cups brown sugar
• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 4 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups oatmeal
• 4 cups cornflakes
• 2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup coconut

1. Cream sugars, oil, eggs and vanilla well.
2. Mix in remaining ingredients gradually. If dough is very stiff add a small amount of milk. It should be dry, but hold together.
3. Roll in small balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with finger.
4. Bake at 325 degrees for about 9 minutes.

**Makes 10-12 Dozen**

Want to pick up your own copy of The Legend of the Christmas Cookies (or the great kitchen products seen in this post)? All are available at Family Christian now.

Snowflake Oven Mitt and Towel Set // Nesting Ceramic Bowls // The Legend of the Christmas Cookie // Believe in the Real Reason Tray 

(Note: The cookie tubs featured in this post are available in-store only!)

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Do you have a favorite cookie recipe you would like to share? What are other traditions you use to teach your children about the meaning of Christmas and Christ's love?