Top 12 holiday cookie recipes

#1: Cardamom cookies Makes 12 / Powdered arrowroot makes these cut-out cookies delightfully crisp. For a beautiful and tasty variation, sandwich two cookies with naturally-sweet fruit spread; serve immediately, before they become soft...
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#2: Oatmeal pecan praline cookies (gluten free) Makes about 30 / The nutty praline adds a touch of sophistication but can be omitted if you want a more traditional cookie. Ingredient tip: Oats are often contaminated with wheat during processing, so look for dedicated gluten-free oats...
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#3: Mint chocolate and pecan cookies (gluten free) Makes about 4 dozen / Reader recipe contest, honorable mention, desserts. These gluten-free, no-deprivation marvels have a wonderful, moist texture and tons of flavor ...
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#4: Red hot peanut butter cookies Makes 24 / Named for the rock group Red Hot Chili Peppers, whose vocalist petitioned chef Mäni Niall, author of Sweet & Natural Baking (Chronicle Books), for a dairy-free peanut butter cookie...
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#5: Orange-lemon meringues Makes 18-20 / These chewy and luscious confections are perfect for afternoon tea and make a beautiful addition to any gift plate...
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#6: Frozen chocolate and peppermint sandwiches Makes 12 / If you're not keen on cold treats, the chocolate cookies are delicious on their own. Preparation tip: Substitute mint chocolate chip or mocha frozen yogurt or ice cream, if you prefer...
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#7: Coconut Macaroons Makes 12 / Moist and chewy, these are surprisingly easy to make. And they disappear fast ...
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#8: Gingerbread people Makes 3 1/2 dozen / Currants make good eyes, noses, and buttons; place on cookies before baking. Or decorate with all-natural colored sprinkles, then bake.
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#9: Chewy organic whole-wheat chocolate chip cookies Makes about 36 / It's no sin to indulge in a little cocoa now and then. Cocoa is actually a decent source of potent antioxidants. The applesauce, oats, and whole-grain flour add heart-healthy fiber to a delicious cookie...
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#10: Vegan chocolate chip cookie Serves 8 / This giant gooey cookie is a chocoholic's dream come true. Serve warm with your favorite soy ice cream...
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#11: Cranberry ginger biscotti Makes 24 / Crispy biscotti, Italian for "twice-baked," pair perfectly with English Breakfast or Earl Grey tea....
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#12: Zimtsterne (cinnamon stars) Makes about 30 / Many beloved holiday cookie recipes originated in northern Europe. These nut-and-spice-infused cutouts hail from Germany, also the source of decorated Christmas trees and blown-glass ornaments...
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