Thumbprints

on December 3, 2010

My 5.0 miles went well today! I was a little nervous that my knee would flare up, but it feels 95% fine. I tried to take it easy and took a lot of walking breaks. Iâ€™m probably still not ready to do 5.0 miles regularly or do longer runs.

After, Nicole and I ran errands and I left this Operation Beautiful note at the ATM:

🙂

Afterwards, I got to work on Christmas cookies. I am going to my first-ever Christmas Cookie Exchange next week (I am so excited) and cannot decide what to make. My signature recipe is Gingerbread Men, but Iâ€™m loving this Sugar Cookie recipe lately.

I made the cookies into strawberry jam thumbprints.

The resultâ€¦

â€˜Tis the season to eat five thumbprint cookies at 11 AM and get sick to your stomach from sugar overdose. 🙂

Lunch:

This yummy scramble was a last-minute idea because I thought I was going to make eggs and potatoes, but it turns out we were out of eggs (after the cookies). So I crumbled a Morningstar black bean burger and shredded spinach into the wok instead.

Plus, toast:

What is your favorite Christmas cookie recipe?

{ 70 comments }

Victoria (District Chocoholic) December 3, 2010, 2:07 pm
Favorite Christmas cookie recipe? Don’t make me pick! I love thumbprints (with chocolate filling), molasses cookies (like soft gingerbread), and secret kiss cookies – dough wrapped around a chocolate kiss. Yum…..
Rachel December 3, 2010, 2:08 pm
Ever had a hamentashen? They are a traditional Jewish cookie that you eat during the holiday of Purim (takes place in the spring).

Your sugar thumbprint jam cookies reminded me of them!
- Shari December 3, 2010, 2:18 pm
  I was thinking that, too! 🙂
- Caitlin December 4, 2010, 12:22 pm
  I have not but they sound pretty delicious. I just googled them.
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday December 3, 2010, 2:08 pm
Double Chocolate Chunk Biscotti!

http://gamereviewwiki.com/bikinibirthday/2010/08/06/twice-baked/
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat December 3, 2010, 2:09 pm
Your thumbprints are so cute! My favourite is a gingerbread-ish (but not quite) cookie that my mum and/or I make every year. I’ll probably post it on the blog soon! They’re so much fun to decorate and the dough tastes ahhh-maaaa-zing!
gabriella @ embracement December 3, 2010, 2:10 pm
My favorite recipe is Linzer Tarts, I love them. But in terms of recipes that have the most delicious cookie dough (I can’t help but eat it, I know it’s bad), gingerbread men still win 🙂
Kacy December 3, 2010, 2:10 pm
Glad the run went well! But hope your knee is soon 100%

My fave holiday cookies are definitely frosted sugar cookies. Mmmm.
- anonymous December 3, 2010, 5:00 pm
  same! mmmm yummy & traditional 😀
Kiran December 3, 2010, 2:11 pm
I love simple thumbprint cookies with raspberry jam and almond cookies! 🙂
michelle December 3, 2010, 2:11 pm
Your lunches always look so good
Kjirsten- Balanced Healthy Life December 3, 2010, 2:12 pm
My favorite cookie recipe is gingerbread with cream cheese frosting. They are my holiday weakness. My mom usually makes dozens of them and we decorate them together! The frosting makes them top notch!
- Caitlin December 4, 2010, 12:25 pm
  How do you make the cream cheese frosting hard? Or is it softened?
  - Kjirsten December 5, 2010, 9:07 am
    The cream cheese frosting is softened. After we frost them, we typically put them on their screened in poorch where it is freezing and the frosting usually sets nicely. You could put them in the freezer as well. After a few hours when you take them out the frosting will be harder.
Lauren December 3, 2010, 2:12 pm
Soft molasses cookies..my mom makes the BEST ones!
Bethany December 3, 2010, 2:13 pm
My favorite are gingersnaps. Everyone says they are the best they’ve had. The recipe makes a million and they are sooo good. If anyone wants the recipe reply here and let me know. I’m at work or I would have gone ahead and posted it here.

Can’t wait for you to tell us about the cookie exchange. What fun! I’ve done them before but have not participated lately. Trying to eat healthier and having 6 dozen different cookies in my house is NOT the way to eat better and limit my sugar. Instead I’m doing an ornament exchange this year. Go here TODAY (today is the last day to sign up) to find out how to get in on the fun. http://katemcdonald.wordpress.com/2010/11/03/the-great-ornament-exchange-2010/
Kara @ Kara's Marathon December 3, 2010, 2:15 pm
We made that sugar cookie recipe this weekend – they are to die for, especially hot out of the oven!! The sugar rush (and subsequent crash) after too many is rough, though… 😉
Nikki @ Balance and Moderation December 3, 2010, 2:21 pm
Just made these Sweet Potatoe Cookies! OMG – Out of control good. I used crushed walnutes, replaced the coconut oil with butter and made a maple glaze for the top. You NEED to make them!!

http://www.alisacooks.com/2009/11/19/sweet-potato-cookies/
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun December 3, 2010, 2:21 pm
I want to make the sugar cookie recipe you posted for our holiday cookie exchange. I also want to make dough balls. And gingerbread men. I think I’m going to be supplying most of the cookies for that night. I love to bake!
Jess@atasteofconfidence December 3, 2010, 2:22 pm
I like simple sugar cutouts – decorated, of course! I’ve been making them since I was a toddler with my mom.
Kristyn December 3, 2010, 2:22 pm
cookie exchanges are a blast! You are going to love it. My first one of the season is tomorrow and I can’t wait. 5 dozen cookies to back tonight. I’m making pumpkin spiced cookies because of my pumpkin obsession. =) The best part is coming home with all different kinds of cookies from everyone else. Enjoy baking time!!!
Amanda (Eating Up) December 3, 2010, 2:23 pm
I love sugar cookies with frosting when they’re chewy and not too sweet. Divine!
Sarah for Real December 3, 2010, 2:23 pm
My late grandmother’s pecan tart cookies are my favorite. They’re like mini-pecan pies. I use her little tart pans that I inherited and think of her while I make them 😀
Sarah AJ December 3, 2010, 2:25 pm
No contest. http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Chocolate-Chip-and-Peppermint-Crunch-Crackles-107523 Chocolate and peppermint. Yum!
Jess December 3, 2010, 2:27 pm
I LOVE LOVE LOVE tina’s (cnc) easy pb cookies- three ingredients!??! yes please! so delish and natural! one egg, one cup sugar, one cup natural pb- 350 degrees for ten minutes!>?!? CAN I GET A HECK YEAH!>!>! lol
- anonymous December 3, 2010, 5:01 pm
  looove that recipe! i make it all the time 😀
  - Caitlin December 4, 2010, 12:27 pm
    Heck yeah!
Melissa December 3, 2010, 2:30 pm
I made one of Giada’s cookie recipes a couple years ago, and got rave reviews. Everyone always requests I make them – they are delicious! I substitute store-bought sugar cookie dough though. I’m a cheater 😉

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/peppermint-chocolate-sandwich-cookies-recipe/index.html
Michele @ Healthy Cultivations December 3, 2010, 2:32 pm
Those little sugar cookies are the best little things!! What I love about sugar cookies and shortbreads is that they are SO simple to make. Just throw some ingredients together, and you’re done!
Katie December 3, 2010, 2:33 pm
definitely sugar cookies!
Kat December 3, 2010, 2:33 pm
I made your 15-minute pasta salad last night for dinner… the first word my guy said was “Gourmet!”

Thanks for the great recipe, we loved it!
- Caitlin December 4, 2010, 12:28 pm
  Yay! I am glad you liked it.
jen December 3, 2010, 2:44 pm
I’m doing my first ever cookie exchange next weekend too 🙂 I still don’t know what I’m making yet, but those thumbprint cookies look like perfection, especially since I need to make 7 dozen.

Love your lunch too 🙂

Jen
Amanda (tomboythatwearsmakeup December 3, 2010, 2:47 pm
Does anyone know of a good vegan macaroon recipe? I am making cookies this weekend with my girlfriends.
- Caitlin December 4, 2010, 12:29 pm
  I think Ohsheglows.com has one!
RhodeyGirl December 3, 2010, 2:50 pm
I feel so left out that I suck at baking haha!

I want to be part of a Christmas cookie exchange! I was invited to a few but I always decline because I’m not confident enough in my baking abilities yet!
Ashley December 3, 2010, 2:52 pm
I love classic decorated Christmas cookies. Last year my friend made a GIANT box of cookies for me as a gift. I ate them all at once (talk about getting sick) they were in such cute shapes and had a good variety. Can’t go wrong with ginger bread men though!
Alina @ Duty Free Foodie December 3, 2010, 2:56 pm
I actually prefer regular cookies. I mean, cute sugar cookies in Christmas shapes are fun, but I feel like a tasty gooey chocolate chip or macadamia nut will beat out a decorated cookie most of the time.

And the time off work is what makes holiday cookie consumption truly festive!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine December 3, 2010, 2:57 pm
I just posted about Christmas cookies the other day and got SO many great recipes to check out!! My all-time favorite has to be peanut butter blossoms. Can’t go wrong with a classic!!
Kelly December 3, 2010, 2:57 pm
Can’t wait to try your thumbprints! I made the same gingersnaps and chocolate oatmeal cookies every year. I’m thinking about shaking it up and bringing something new this year. 🙂
Amber K December 3, 2010, 3:01 pm
I have no idea now! Although I did make some gluten-free cookies Wednesday. Just almond butter, sugar and an egg. Not my favorite, but they were suprisingly not bad!
Camille December 3, 2010, 3:03 pm
Those cookies look awesome! I would have eaten 5 too 🙂
Michelle December 3, 2010, 3:05 pm
Everyone always loves when I make either Chocolate peppermint pinwheel cookies (making them for a party tomorrow!) (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/chocolate-peppermint-pinwheel-cookies-recipe4/index.html) or chocolate peanut butter biscotti (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/peanut-butter-and-chocolate-biscotti-recipe/index.html). My preference: the biscotti. Yum.
Jen December 3, 2010, 3:07 pm
Never did like Sugar cookies. Just a classic choco-chip cookie does it for me. Or something with molasses and ginger. Or anything with chunks that is chewy and smooth 🙂
Lizzie December 3, 2010, 3:22 pm
Caitlin, where do you get your crusty white bread. It looks so yummy!!!
- Caitlin December 4, 2010, 12:36 pm
  Its from a bakery called La Brea which is at Harris Teeter grocery stores.
Katy (The Singing Runner) December 3, 2010, 3:23 pm
I love simple sugar cookies with royal frosting! 🙂
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) December 3, 2010, 3:31 pm
I LOVE gingerbread cookies! We made gingerbread dough balls the other day and non of us could stop eating them. Your cookies look delicious!
LindseyAnn December 3, 2010, 3:31 pm
Mine would have to be “Santa’s Whiskers” cookies. They are amazing!! 😀
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1710,152161-247204,00.html
Tracey December 3, 2010, 3:57 pm
My favorite Christmas cookie is one my mom used to make. It’s a candy cane cookie and they are SO good but a pain in the arse to make!
andrea December 3, 2010, 4:02 pm
Im going to my first cookie party next weekend too and I’m so excited!! Im making Ina Gartens jam thumbprints!!!
Diana @ frontyardfoodie December 3, 2010, 4:08 pm
I’m definitely a gingerbread type girl when it comes to Christmas. I like them any time really of course but they’re especially festive this time of year!
Sohara December 3, 2010, 4:42 pm
Those thumbprints are adorable! They remind me a lot of afternoon coffee cookies my grandmother in Stuttgart always had, except those were in heart and star shapes and you bought them at a store instead of getting them warm out of the oven.

But, speaking of Germany, my favorite ever cookie-like holiday treat is Lebkuchen, a really German winter thing: it’s a soft gingerbread cookie speckled with nuts and fruit pieces, about 3 inches in diameter on top of an edible paper wafer, and comes either plain, glazed with sugar, or covered in chocolate. AND I JUST FOUND THEM AT TRADER JOE’S AND AM SO HAPPY. I haven’t seen them since I visited my family over the holidays last, and that was at least four years ago!
- Caitlin December 4, 2010, 12:38 pm
  That Lebkuchen sounds epic.
natalie @ http://healthybalancingact.blogspot.com/ December 3, 2010, 5:08 pm
like you im a ginger bread man kinda girl..i love making them then decorating them all different 🙂
steph December 3, 2010, 5:30 pm
my favorite christmas cookies are the basic sugar cookies shaped with fun cookie cutters & drowned in sprinkles 🙂

your thumbprints look AMAZING though!!
Ashley December 3, 2010, 5:41 pm
How can you make cookies and not just eat them all? I guess you’ve got them for the cookie-exchanging party, but I find that if I just decide to bake something, I end up having such a hard time not eating them all myself! I take them to the office to give them away, but I noticed over Thanksgiving (when the office was closed) that if I have that stuff on hand, I WILL have a problem (can you say – sugar hangover every day from cookies?) : )
- Caitlin December 4, 2010, 12:39 pm
  I think the key is to freeze them immediately. And make small batches.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin December 3, 2010, 6:39 pm
I love my Nana’s shortbread cookie recipe! I’m pretty sure I eat at least 5 of them at a time too. 😉
Krystina (Basil & Wine) December 3, 2010, 6:43 pm
I love thumbprints – those look great!
Abbey December 3, 2010, 7:18 pm
Hi Caitlyn, I just have to ask you why you want to run additional marathons in the future if it seems your body is suffering from the last one to such an extreme that you can no longer run 5 miles? This is not snarky in any way, sometimes feelings get lost in translation via the web. I used to manage a pilates studio for three years and I heard so many stories from runners about chronic pain, many of them eventually quit running and devoted their energy to practicing pilates. It is expensive, no doubt, but it seems to me you mentioned how much you liked the results of biking, which is sooooo much better for your poor knees.
Just curious why you are so motivated to keep running with the pain you are experiencing.

Thanks.
Shannon @ Philadelphia Phitness Pharmacy December 3, 2010, 7:36 pm
Great job on the run! You’ll never know unless you try!
Liz @ Blog is the New Black December 3, 2010, 7:37 pm
Sorry you got sick so easy, but I but it was worth it! Today I tackled 5 recipes- including Two Peas and their Pod pom-white-chocolate ones!
Laura December 3, 2010, 8:05 pm
You’ve got me thinking about this sticky note thing. It’s such a wonderfully positive, and, well, beautiful idea. Today I thought about posting one that read, “Everybody makes mistakes. Nobody will read your report closely enough to notice yours anyway.” Too specific? Maybe I should just leave them for myself…
Laura (Starloz) December 3, 2010, 8:46 pm
at my thanksgiving, my friend made shortbread & i was thinking of making them into cookies, mmmm!
ashley @ ashley's adventures in alaska December 3, 2010, 10:31 pm
Those thumbprints look yummy! My favorite cookies for Christmas are old school molasses ones. I grew up with them and LOVE them!
Nikki - The Tolerant Vegan December 3, 2010, 11:39 pm
Red velvet cookies, for sure. They’re easy, delicious and they look so festive!
Brittney December 4, 2010, 5:28 pm
Wooo Hooo! Totally excited for my party and to have you there! I’m sure whatever you bring will be delicious!! It’ll be my first time HOSTING a cookie party even though I grew up with my mom hosting them every years for as long as I can remember 🙂 See you soon!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 6, 2010, 12:32 am
I really like shortbread.
Lacey @ Lake Life December 6, 2010, 9:33 pm
I go to a Cookie Exchange every year and am going out on a limb this year with these:

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/cookies/pepper-jelly-cornmeal-cups/

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