This weekend the girls in my family spent a day baking Christmas cookies!  It's a tradition I cherish and look forward to bringing my daughter someday.  We tried a twist on a couple classic holiday cookies so I'm sharing the recipes with you all!  Hope you enjoy baking these festive treats!

Zesty Sugar Cookies

Yield: 6 Dozen

Ingredients:
1 cup butter softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 1/2 cups flour

Directions:
Cream sugar and butter until creamy.  Add eggs and vanilla; beat well.  Stir together dry ingredients.  Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture until completely blended.  Chill for 30 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut with holiday cutters dipped in flour.  Using a floured spatula, transfer cookies to ungreased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.  Cool on wire racks.

Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

Yield: 7 dozen

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup dark molasses
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
5 cups flour

Directions:
Cream butter and sugar; add molasses, egg, and vanilla.  Stir together the dry ingredients.  Add to molasses mixture and mix well.  Chill dough 1-2 hours or until easy to handle.  If needed, add a little four before rolling.  On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut with holiday cutters dipped in flour.  Place on ungreased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.  Cool of wire racks. 

Hot Cocoa & Cream comes in two varieties, one is made with essential oils and the other one without the added oils.  Let me tell you, the essential oils make a HUGE difference in scent!  With the essential oils you get a hint of coffee and stronger notes of cocoa.  If you enjoy being in a cafe, then this candle is perfect for you!  It's a favorite among the women in my family and we keep it in stock year round.  

Fragrance: Nutmeg & Sandalwood Essential Oils with notes of Milk Chocolate & Steamed Milk

Twisted Peppermint is a refreshing scent that also smells like something yummy is being baked in the oven.  It's the perfect combination!  Cool, refreshing, a touch of sweetness and bold fragrance.  Definitely a unique candle specifically for the season.

Fragrance: Orange & Peppermint Essential Oils with notes of Vanilla Buttercream & Fresh Balsam

Marshmellow Fireside is hands down one of the best scents!  I love that it can be burnt year round, not just at Christmas time.  It's slightly sweet yet not overpowering and gives an instantly cozy feel.  

Fragrance: Toasted Marshmallow, Smoldering Woods, Fire Roasted Vanilla, Crystallized Amber

My little helper!  Since I was taken photos on the floor, Odin felt the need to lay by me and get in almost every shot :)  Mostly because he thinks me being on the floor means playtime but I also think Odin enjoys the smell of candles!  That's just proof that candles make great gifts.  Bath & Body Works is always having a sale so you never have to pay full price for these candles.  Other scented candles I enjoy this time of year are Peppermint Marshmellow, Spiced Apple Toddy, Merry Mimosa, and Frosted Cranberry.

Which scent is your favorite this time of year? 

Woke up to freshly fallen snow!! :)  It looks super pretty and magical outside.  You can bet I dressed warm for the morning walk with Odin!  A knit beanie is a staple accessory for winter and there are TONS of cute/affordable options.  Favorite places to shop for beanies? Abercrombie, H&M, and Nordstrom.  They have the best selection of winter accessories to keep you warm while looking cute of course! All the options I linked above are under $20...making them great gifts for Christmas!  The only one I don't have are the double pom beanie hats but I have seen them styled by other bloggers and they look adorable.

With the Holiday Season in full swing, staying organized is more important than ever!  Between the
decorating, Christmas shopping, present wrapping, cookie baking, and parties, we need all the help
we can get to stay on top of it.  I would be lost without a planner!  While the calendar on my phone does
wonders for reminding me of events, I am old fashioned and do best with pen and paper.  Seeing everything
laid out clearly with lists on the side makes a HUGE difference.  Day Designer is hands down the best brand
for planners.  It's affordable (only $15 at Target) and has a crisp, clean layout to easily handle your busiest
schedule.  I opt for the calendar year version which also has a Nov./Dec. calendar for 2018.

I'm starting to feel anxious about the Holiday Season and it's only December 4th!  There is hardly a moment to relax.  Luckily, the presents are almost done which gives me a little more time for other events, like prepping for the annual cookie baking exchange on Saturday! 

​What holiday events keep you busy this time of year?