Celebrate with Woman's World 2/7/22

The most wonderful time of the year—and the sweetest too! Nothing says the countdown to Christmas has begun quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. That’s certainly true in the Woman’s World test kitchen, where our recipe pros Susan and Charles have been busier than Santa’s elves whipping up all sorts of tempting treats. Whether you’re baking for a swap, sending sweets to loved ones that live afar or simply enjoying goodies with family and friends, we’ve got the recipes that really deliver. We’ve also included bonus cakes, cupcakes, pies and other desserts to round out your holiday feasts. And thanks to our simple step-by-step directions, you’re guaranteed impressive results. So tie on that apron and let’s get baking! Getty; Michael Keel (2). Makeup: Joanie James…

Snickerdoodle Eggnog Cinnamon whiskey and a spiced rim transform this traditional Yuletide sip into a festive new favorite 3 cups eggnog2 cinnamon sticks + additional1 tsp. vanilla extract2 tsp. sugar1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon3/4 cup cinnamon whiskey, such as Fireball In pot, combine eggnog, 2 cinnamon sticks and extract; over low heat, bring to simmer. Cook, stirring, until flavors blend, 5 min. Remove cinnamon sticks; cover and chill. On plate, combine sugar and spices. Dip rims of 6 glasses in water then sugar mixture; invert. Stir whiskey into eggnog; divide among glasses. Add additional cinnamon sticks. SERVINGS: 6 ACTIVE time: 25 min. TOTAL time: 1 hr., 25 min. Peppermint Twist Candy canes and white chocolate make this drink creamy cool 4 cups milk1 (4.4 oz.) bar white chocolate, chopped4 Tbs. crushed candy canes3/4 cup vodka3/4 cup…

For a true Christmas classic, nothing beats cutout cookies! From gingerbread people to stars, snowflakes and more, the possibilities are endless…and practically effortless, thanks to our foolproof recipes and decorating tricks. Want something even easier? We’ve included a collection of slice-and-bake options too—just form into a log, chill and cut into neat rounds. They all may be simple to make, yet they’re simply stunning to eat! Sweet Santas With the help of premade dough, our cheery treats are a delight to decorate 2 /3 cup all-purpose flour1 (16.5 oz.) tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough1 cup red candy melts, melted1/4 cup red decorating sugar11/2 cups white candy melts, melted1 cup white pearl sprinkles10 mini marshmallows, halved20 red Sixlets candies40 small round black candies1/4 cup dark chocolate frosting Heat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with…

Whether formed by hand into sugar-coated balls, curved into buttery crescents or shaped into bakeshop beauties with a cookie press, these festive treats are sure to spread sweet smiles! And with our even-easier dropped cookies—whose homey shape is part of their charm—you don’t have to be careful spooning out portions of dough. Truly, the hardest part of baking up our delicious delights is waiting for them to cool! Mexican Chocolate Orange Crinkles This citrusy-spiced twist on a chewy holiday classic preps in just 20 minutes 1 large orange1 (18.2 oz.) pkg. dark chocolate fudge brownie mix1 cup + 2 Tbs. all-purpose flour1 tsp. ground cinnamon1 egg1/4 cup oil1 cup confectioners’ sugar Heat oven to 350°F. Coat baking sheets with cooking spray. Grate 2 tsp. zest and squeeze 1/2 cup juice from orange. In large…

Fruity Gingerbread Squares Pair these bites with a cup of cocoa on a snowy afternoon 1 cup all-purpose flour2 Tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder + additional1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon1/2 tsp. ground ginger1/4 tsp. baking soda1/2 cup butter, at room temp.1/3 cup packed light brown sugar1/4 cup molasses1 egg1 (¼ oz.) env. unflavored gelatin1 cup heavy cream2 Tbs. granulated sugar1 (15 oz.) can cream of coconut, stirred2 (4 oz.) fruit cups diced peaches in 100% fruit juice, drained, patted dry Heat oven to 350°F. Line 9" square baking pan with enough foil to overhang sides by 2". Coat with cooking spray. In bowl, combine flour, 2 Tbs. cocoa powder, spices, and baking soda. On medium speed, beat butter, brown sugar and molasses. Beat in egg and 1/4 cup water. Beat in flour mixture; spread in…

Holiday Yule Log This classic is sure to wow 3/4 cup sifted all-purpose flour1/4 cup + 2 /3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder + additional1/4 tsp. salt5 eggs, at room temp.1 cup granulated sugar2 Tbs. butter, melted + 1 3/4 cups, at room temp.31/2 cups confectioners’ sugar3 Tbs. + 1/3 cup milk Heat oven to 375°F. Grease 17"x11" rimmed baking sheet. Line with parchment paper; coat with cooking spray. Mix flour, 1/4 cup cocoa and salt. On medium-high speed, beat eggs and granulated sugar until thick and fluffy, 4–5 min. Fold in flour mixture 1/3 at a time. In separate bowl, fold melted butter into 1 cup batter; fold back into batter. Spread in pan. Bake until set, 7–8 min. Loosen cake edges. Sprinkle clean kitchen towel with cocoa; invert hot cake onto towel.…