This year Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) starts on December 7 and ends December 15. It’s a time to celebrate miracles and the importance of light and freedom from oppression. For me, it also means baking and decorating cookies. I love the colors of this season: all shades of blue with white and gold added for a touch of elegance. I’ve never attempted to make the more traditional treats like latkes or jelly donuts, but beautiful and tasty cookies are always welcome at any celebration, right?
“The spirit of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is shared by all people who love freedom.” Norma Simon
This year I decided to let the star shine (the Star of David, that is) in my Hanukkah baking. It’s the perfect representation of that miraculous flame that continues to light our way. I made two variations of the decorations: one simple and one with bling. Everyone needs a bit of each in their lives.
Cookie specifics
Gluten-Free Soft Sugar Cookies. This cookie has an abundance of vanilla extract (a whole tablespoon!) and a soft texture due to the addition of cream cheese. (I used vegan cream cheese.) They are cut a little thicker than the average cutout cookies, which makes every bite an experience of melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.
Shapes & Sizes
Star of David in small, medium, and large sizes.
Cookie Recipes from This Talented Cookie Artist
Gluten-Free Soft Sugar Cookies. Original recipe from Let Them Eat Gluten-free Cake. Kim’s sugar cookie recipe is delicious and versatile. She gives 8 different Christmas cookies that can be made with this basic dough, from cutout cookies to rolled cookies to bar cookies.
Icing & Frostings
Glaze for Piping: This glaze/icing dries hard enough that you can stack or package the cookies without damaging the embellishments. I often use it exclusively or in combination with Royal Icing.
Glaze for Piping Recipe
Decorative Embellishments
White and various shades of blue non-pareils. Thanks to Disney’s movie “Frozen,” blue and white cookie decorations are available in abundance!
Cookies
Gluten-Free Soft Sugar Cookies: butter, vegan cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, gluten- free flour blend, salt
Icing
Glaze for Piping: sugar, water, corn syrup, vanilla extract)
Plate, Box or Bag?
Hanukkah Plate. I happend to have one small plate specifically for Hanukkah. It’s one of my favorite ways to show off these Festival of Lights stars! I also mailed some to family and those were packed in a box...see next paragraph.
Mailing. Of course, I mailed a few dozen cookies to the members of my family who celebrate this beautiful holiday. I sent them Priority Mail through the U.S. Post Office. I used the boxes provided by the Post Office and lots of bubble wrap. I know the packages are appreciated when they arrive because of the texts I get with all those smiling faces and grateful comments. Happy Hanukkah!
What I’ve learned...
These cookies were made with the best ingredients I could find and baked in a small batch of two dozen. I’ve experimented with less expensive ingredients, but have come to the conclusion that flavor is best when I use the best. Why spend all this time baking and decorating if taste and texture are just so-so? Decorating the cookies takes time, but it’s an enjoyable process for me and I know that those who receive them appreciate that. Life is just better when you can share something you love with someone you love. Don’t you agree?
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