Christmas Surprises Recipe with Shortening, Brown Sugar, and Coconut

Christmas Surprises

Christmas Surprises Recipe with Shortening, Brown Sugar, and Coconut
Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Christmas Surprises
Christmas Surprises

Christmas Surprises are a delightful and festive cookie recipe that is perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are filled with jam or jelly, making them a sweet and delicious treat for all to enjoy.

History

The origins of Christmas Surprises are unclear, but they have become a popular holiday cookie recipe in many households. The combination of a soft cookie base, filled with jam or jelly, and topped with coconut, creates a unique and tasty treat that is perfect for Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Cream the shortening and sugar together.
  2. Add the egg and mix well.
  3. Sift the dry ingredients together and add.
  4. Add the vanilla, and drop by teaspoons-full onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
  5. Using your finger or a spoon, make an indentation in the center of the cookie ball and fill it with jam or jelly.
  6. Sprinkle coconut over all and bake at 375°F (191°C) for 10 to 12 minutes.

Variations

  • Try using different flavors of jam or jelly for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
  • Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the shortening and sugar together well to ensure a light and fluffy cookie.

- Be sure to make a deep enough indentation in the center of the cookie to hold the jam or jelly filling.

- Watch the cookies closely while baking to prevent them from burning.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas Surprises are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the shortening and sugar together is an important step in creating a light and fluffy cookie base for Christmas Surprises.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cream of tartar on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of baking powder.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cookie dough for Christmas Surprises ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Christmas Surprises on a festive platter or cookie tray for a beautiful and delicious holiday display.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Christmas Surprises with a glass of milk or a cup of hot tea for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Christmas Surprises in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To reheat, place in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Surprises contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Surprises contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Surprises contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Surprises contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Surprises are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Christmas Surprises contain eggs and coconut, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Christmas Surprises are a sweet and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to their high sugar and fat content.

Summary

Christmas Surprises are a delightful and festive cookie recipe that is perfect for the holiday season. With a soft cookie base, filled with jam or jelly, and topped with coconut, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any Christmas celebration.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Christmas Surprises. It was a cold winter day, with snow falling softly outside, creating a peaceful and cozy atmosphere in my grandmother's kitchen. I was a young girl, eager to learn from her as she prepared her special holiday treats.

My grandmother, a seasoned cook with a knack for creating delicious dishes, had a twinkle in her eye as she pulled out a tattered old recipe card from her collection. She explained that Christmas Surprises were a family tradition, passed down through generations, and that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother many years ago.

As she began to gather the ingredients, I watched in awe as she expertly measured and mixed each one with precision and care. The kitchen was filled with the warm scent of cinnamon and nutmeg, a comforting reminder of the joy and magic of the holiday season.

She told me stories of how she had first learned to make Christmas Surprises when she was just a young girl, helping her own grandmother in the kitchen. They would spend hours together, laughing and chatting as they rolled out the dough and filled it with sweet, fruity filling. It was a time of love and connection, a time that she cherished and wanted to pass on to me.

As we worked together to create the Christmas Surprises, my grandmother shared more memories of her own childhood Christmases. She spoke of the joy of sharing these special treats with family and friends, of the excitement of waking up on Christmas morning to find a plate of them waiting for her under the tree.

As the aroma of the baking Christmas Surprises filled the kitchen, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I was learning a skill that had been passed down through generations, a skill that connected me to my family history and traditions.

When the Christmas Surprises were finally ready, my grandmother carefully placed them on a festive platter and dusted them with powdered sugar. They were a sight to behold, with their golden crusts and sweet, gooey filling. I couldn't wait to taste them, to experience the magic and delight that my grandmother had promised.

As I took my first bite of the Christmas Surprises, I was transported to a place of warmth and happiness. The flavors were rich and comforting, a perfect combination of sweet and tart. I could taste the love and care that had gone into making them, and I felt grateful to be a part of this family tradition.

Over the years, I have continued to make Christmas Surprises for my own family and friends, sharing the recipe and the stories that accompany it. Each time I bake them, I am reminded of my grandmother and the special bond that we shared in the kitchen.

I am grateful for the gift of this recipe, for the opportunity to carry on a tradition that has brought so much joy and connection to my family. And as I pass it down to the next generation, I know that the spirit of Christmas Surprises will live on, bringing love and happiness to all who taste them.

Categories

| Christmas Cookie Recipes | Egg Recipes | Filled Cookie Recipes | Jelly Recipes | Light Brown Sugar Recipes | Preserves And Jam Recipes | Wheat Flour Recipes |

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