We share simple ingredient cookie recipes passed down among generations
I grew up with aunts, uncles, grandmothers, parents, friend’s parents, church communities, neighbors… sharing dessert. This time of year meant a lot of family holiday baking. Grandpa’s pfeffernusse. Mom’s stollen and anise cookies. I love a frosted cookie or gooey bar, but sometimes just a simple flavor is all that you need. A traditional and simple recipe is often the best. For the holidays I wanted to share some of my favorite holiday baking recipes to keep it traditional and simple. If you are looking for other great holiday baking ideas, check out the blog of the Little French Bakery and our article on their great online classes!
Marybeth Schumacher’s German Stollen
My mother made a delicious and traditional German stollen every year. My family immigrated to Wisconsin in the mid 1940s, and our German and Scandinavian ancestors passed on these recipes for generations. I loved the smell of yeast and mace in the house as the bread rose and baked. This is my absolute favorite holiday baking item ever. We have shared an original copy of her handwritten recipe below and a photo of this delicious holiday bread. It is perfect in the morning with delicious European butter.
Marybeth Schumacher’s German Stollen (page one) 
Marybeth Schumacher’s German Stollen (page two) 
Liz’s family, with her mom, Marybeth, in the back (tall redhead) 
Marybeth Schumacher’s German Stollen (fully baked and ready for European butter)
Grandma Cecchini’s Pizelles
Last year, my coworkers and I had a Christmas cookie exchange. My favorite cookie was Sarah’s pizzelle. This is also a holiday baking tradition in her family. A pizzelle is an Italian cookie. This traditional waffle is made from flour, eggs, sugar, butter or vegetable oil, and flavoring if desired. A pizzelle can be hard and crisp or soft and chewy depending on the ingredients and method of preparation. It can be molded into various shapes. We recommend this holiday baking delight with a hot cup of tea (Sparrow chai is delicious) or cup of coffee. We have shared Sarah’s grandmother’s original handwritten recipe below.
Grandma Cecchini’s Pizzelles 
Grandma Cecchini and Sarah’s Dad 
Adorable little Sarah in her favorite knit hat 
Finished and delicious pizzelles!
How fortunate we are to have these wonderful and yummy family traditions and treats. Ask your family and friends to share these with you too. Reading the handwriting, making the recipe, tasting something that brings back amazing memories makes the holidays all worthwhile.
