It's officially (gluten-free) cookie season
How to avoid buying gifts for everyone by baking them.
Here we are again: the early days of December, and the gift-shopping season has officially begun. Years ago, I decided to free myself from the anxiety of finding the perfect gift by keeping a running list of ideas throughout the year. Everyone loves to share their desires: the thing they spotted online, the book that feels too indulgent to buy for themselves. So I patiently write down all these hints in a note on my iPhone. When December arrives, I spend a few hours choosing the best items from the list, tracking them down online or in nearby shops, and purchasing them. This little note is like the best gift I give myself each year.
Beyond these thoughtful, tailor-made gifts, I always enjoy adding edible treats to the mix. I’ve shared my favorite edible gift ideas on the blog, but cookies remain everyone’s favorite. Whether it’s for a family member, a colleague, or your child’s teacher, a box of handmade cookies is always warmly received.
Here’s a roundup of my favorite cookies to gift:
Hazelnut meringue cookies: Festive and elegant, these cookies can be prepared ahead and stay fresh for days when stored properly.
A classic shortbread cookies recipe, that allows you to make different shapes and variations.
If you have a cat lover friend (we all have at least one), I highly suggest to bake them these Calico cat cookies that come in a three-tones dough.
Nothing screams Holidays quite like these spiced favorites: gingerbread cookies.
Almond paste cookies, also know as “can 3 ingredients make one of the best sweet treat on the planet?”. Yes they can.
Baci di Dama: an Italian sandwich cookie all around hazelnut and chocolate.
If you want to come down the cookies rabbit hole with me, you can also take a look at my Pinterest board “gluten-free cookies”, including both recipes from my blog and from others.
So the plan is: pick one or two recipes that inspire you, create a shopping list, gather reusable boxes for packaging, and make room in your agenda for an afternoon of baking and wrapping. Most importantly, enjoy the moment: the smell of cookies fresh from the oven, the mind-clearing effect of hands-on work, and the and the rare feeling of putting your phone down for hours.
