The Conversation
You can’t go to bed tonight without leaving out cookies and milk for Santa. No worries — we’ve got you. From hot cocoa cookies to cherry chocolate whoopie pies, check out these 12 Christmas cookie recipes from this year’s Snapguide cookie contest. With these, you’ll definitely be making Santa’s nice list. At least next year…
1. Painted Christmas Tree Cookies: This Christmas classic will show you how to bake a classic shortbread Christmas tree cookie. Give it your own unique twist by “painting” it with festive Christmas colors. (via Annie Ai on Snapguide)
2. Hot Cocoa Cookies: Drink your cocoa and eat it too. Made with dark chocolate chips, black beans and vanilla balsamic vinegar (yup, you read that right), these cookies have a rich chocolate flavor and are super cute to boot. Oh, and did we mention they’re gluten-free? (via Hannah Heinz on Snapguide)
3. Candy Cane Monster Cookies: With peanut butter, candy canes, oatmeal and chocolate, these little babies combine all of our favorite flavors with a dash of festive peppermint cheer. (via Leighla Woelffer on Snapguide)
4. Melting Snowman Cookie: We’re just melting over these cookie cuties. Super easy to recreate, they’re the perfect last-minute cookie to make with your kids. (via Caroline Brown on Snapguide)
5. Snowball Pooping Snowman Cookies: Give these little smiling snowman a shake and watch him leave a small trail of edible snowballs. Come on now, how cute is that? (via Juliana Janiszewski Evans on Snapguide)
6. Cherry Chocolate Whoopie Pies: Cherry cordial chocolates are a must at Christmastime, so why not break the cookie rules and whip up these delicious whoopie pies this holiday season? (via Shauna Havey on Snapguide)
7. Christmas Tree Iced Sugar Cookies: They’re a classic for a reason. Santa won’t be able to say no to these iced sugar cookies, which you can also make ahead and freeze the dough for whenever you need a cookie pick-me-up. (via Nikki Lyon on Snapguide)
8. White Chocolate Cookie Bars: Looking to go gluten-free? These cookies are moist, sweet and filled with ooey gooey chocolate pieces. Super easy to whip up for that last-minute holiday get-together. (via Hannah Heinz on Snapguide)
9. Warm-hearted Sugar Cookie People: These edible cookie creations have a warm glowing heart filled with festive sprinkles. A definite crowd pleaser for a last-minute gift or party favor. (via Juliana Janiszewski Evans on Snapguide)
10. Chocolate Pistachio Cookies: Looking to go a little fancier? With unsalted pistachios, cocoa powder and a little orange zest, these cookies have unique and subtle flavors that party guests are sure to enjoy. (via Kathy Gori on Snapguide)
11. Gingerbread Christmas Trees: Gingerbread houses are a must at Christmas, but what about some gingerbread trees? These standing gingerbread trees are a ton of fun to decorate, and easy to package up for friends and family. (via Caroline Brown on Snapguide)
12. S’mores Thumbprint Cookies: No campfire required for this recipe. Santa will love this new take on the thumbprint cookie recipe with melted marshmallows and a drizzle of chocolate. (via Annie Ai on Snapguide)
Have a favorite holiday cookies recipe? Share with us on Twitter @britandco + @snapguide.
More From Appetizers
Getting the word out about your brand takes time, drive, and ingenuity. And it doesn't come easy for many entrepreneurs. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Taylor Morgan McPherson, founder of Sustainable Sparkle Bar, about ways in which she scored press as a solo startup brand and what she learned from Selfmade to take her brand marketing up a notch.
B + C: How did you know Sustainable Sparkle Bar was your business to start?
Glitter has always been my thing, so when I started my event company I decided to make it my niche. I started telling people I threw glitter-themed parties where people would get sparkled with glitter body art and makeup. Six months after that I applied to my first festival and to work with SUR restaurant in West Hollywood.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
I honestly can't say that I've had a specific strategy that I've followed when it comes to getting my business off the ground. I have a PR background so I was just constantly pitching new business and posting on social media.
B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?
I would say creating a stable income and revenue stream. With a seasonal, event-based business it can be very up and down.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
The relationships I made and the push to start an email database.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I love what I do and I believe in myself 100%. Staying motivated isn't the hard part. Pushing myself to do the work and staying accountable is the hard part.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip? Do you use any apps that help you manage your business?
I keep multiple to-do lists, hand-written and digital. I also tell clients and partners that I will have something to them by a certain time or day so I have to stick to it.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Just do it, take the leap. And don't worry about what anyone else says to thinks.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Issa Rae, I'm so inspired by everything that she's created being a creative and a black woman. It's my dream to have my own show one day based on my life and where I give advice and talk about the world. She's doing it and making people laugh and giving people joy. And it's based in LA. Watching Insecure only further cemented my dreams of wanting to live in LA.
B + C: How did you hear about the Office Depot scholarship?
One of my friends that I met through Camp No Counselors saw an IG ad for it and nominated me.
B + C: What has receiving the scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start/grow your business?
It's completely helped me level up and take my business to another level. Selfmade helped me host my first virtual event and taught me how to set up my website to sell tickets to events and get RSVPs.
B + C: How have Office Depot services or products helped you accomplish more in your business?
I got new cards to send in all of my orders with my discount code on them. I also bought a really cool 4K camera that I now use for my social media.
Thanks Taylor! You really know how to sparkle. We love her colorful, creative vibe. You can follow Sustainable Sparkle Bar on Instagram @sustainablesparklebar.
Let Office Depot OfficeMax help you stand out in the crowd. From signs, posters & banners to promote your business, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get noticed.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.
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