Twelve Cookies of Christmas #6: Orange Creamsicle Cookies

It took me a while to figure out which sandwich cookie I wanted to make this year. For the longest time, the linzer cookie was the favourite, but in the end I decided to scrap it as I already had a jam cookie on the list (see Raspberry Cream Thumbprints). I also briefly flirted with the idea of making Thomas Keller’s TKOs from his new cookbook Bouchon Bakery, before deciding that wasn’t a wise decision for my Twelve Cookies of Christmas list. And then I came across this recipe for Orange Cream Star Cookies from Fine Cooking. Perfect.

I remember having orange creamsicles as a kid. There was something very satisfying when you bit through that tart, orange layer and got to the creamy vanilla ice cream inside. I’ve played with this flavour combination before with cupcakes, so I thought it would be equally as fun (and delicious) in cookie-form.

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Twelve Cookies of Christmas #2: Raspberry Cream Thumbprints

Here's another cookie that doesn't really need an introduction, as I've made these several times before as well. These are such a comfort cookie for me because they remind me so much of those Peek Freans Fruit Crèmes I loved so much as a kid. I would nibble away all the edges until I was left with the sugar-topped, jewel-red, raspberry (or strawberry?) centre (the best part!) before popping it into my mouth.

While not exactly like the Peek Freans, the flavours of this cookie evoke the memory of them. You still have your jeweled centre, and the addition of cream cheese in the dough base lends a creamy and subtle tang to the cookie that's reminiscent of the cookie and cream combination.

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Twelve Days of Christmas, #2: Raspberry Cream Thumbprints

You know those fruit cream cookies? Those vanilla sandwich cookies with the jellied fruit center? I used to love those. It has been years since I've had one, and I'm pretty sure if I did pick one up today, I would grimace at its artificial flavouring. But I've finally come across a cookie that evokes the memories of said cookie without all the added unnecessary ingredients. It has also become another staple in my holiday baking line-up.

Day Two of my Twelve Days of Christmas Treats series: Raspberry Cream Thumbprints.

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