Foodness Gracious - Week 109

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Recipes

Christmas Reindeer Cookies have a way of instantly setting the tone for the season. The moment these come out of the oven, the kitchen feels more festive, the pace slows down just a bit, and suddenly it feels like Christmas is right on schedule. These cookies fit perfectly into holiday baking plans, whether they are for a cookie exchange, a family night in, or a plate dropped off to a neighbor.

At the heart of this recipe is a classic buttery sugar cookie that bakes up soft and tender. The velvet frosting adds a smooth, rich finish that makes each bite feel a little special without being heavy. This is the kind of cookie that tastes familiar in the best possible way, like something you remember from childhood but just polished enough to feel new again.

One of the best parts is how approachable this recipe is. The cookies are simple to bake and even easier to decorate, which makes them ideal for getting the whole family involved. Kids can add eyes and antlers, adults can handle the frosting, and nobody feels overwhelmed. It turns baking into an activity rather than a chore.

Yes, they are adorable, but they also deliver where it counts. These cookies are genuinely delicious, not just cute for a photo. That balance of buttery cookie and smooth frosting makes them the kind of treat people reach for twice, even after admiring how fun they look.

Reviews

A great cookie deserves a great baking sheet, and this set of three premium nonstick baking sheets is built for exactly that. Made from durable carbon steel, they heat evenly so cookies bake consistently from edge to center. No more rotating pans halfway through just to get an even bake.

The nonstick surface makes releasing cookies effortless, which means less sticking and easier cleanup. These pans are just as useful for roasting potatoes or baking homemade pizza, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen rather than a one purpose purchase.

They are also dishwasher safe, which is always appreciated after a long baking session. With over 1,300 glowing reviews, these baking sheets have earned their spot as a reliable go to for home chefs who bake often and want results they can count on.

Be sure to check out all of our home kitchen product reviews!

Meet the Best Alcohol Replacement of the Season

As the nights get colder and holiday gatherings fill the calendar, I’ve been craving a new kind of ritual—something warm, social, and feel-good, without the fogginess that often follows a drink. And this season, I found it.

Meet Vesper, Pique’s brand-new, non-alcoholic adaptogenic aperitif—and truly one of the most exciting launches they’ve ever released. Crafted with rare botanicals and science-backed ingredients, it delivers everything I love about a drink: the unwind, the mood lift, the sense of connection… just without the alcohol.

Each sip brings a soft drop in the shoulders, a gentle lift in spirit, and a clear, grounded presence. Sparkling, tart, and herbaceous, Vesper feels luxurious and intentionally crafted—perfect for holiday parties, cozy nights in, and an elevated start to Dry January.

Because it’s new (and already going viral), it will sell out fast.

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Responsibility

Food has always told the story of who we are, where we come from, and how we adapt. The article The Evolution of Food From Ancient Traditions to Modern Innovations explores how meals once rooted in survival and tradition have transformed alongside culture, technology, and creativity.

You will get a glimpse into how different regions shaped their food identities and how innovation continues to reshape what and how we eat today. From time honored techniques to modern breakthroughs, food reflects progress in ways we often overlook.

This piece is a reminder that what shows up on our plates connects us to history while pushing us forward. If you enjoy understanding the bigger story behind everyday meals, this is well worth the read.

Learn more online at Foodness Gracious in our Responsibility section.

Foodness Fun - Did You Know?

Did you know that sugar cookies became popular in America in the seventeen hundreds and were originally known as Nazareth cookies. They were simple, sturdy, and perfect for decorating long before holiday shapes became a tradition.

Another fun fact is that frosting did not always come in the smooth, spreadable form we love today. Early versions were often poured on warm cookies and left to harden, which made decorating a lot more stressful than it needs to be now.

Reindeer became a holiday baking icon thanks in part to the rise of themed cookie cutters and Christmas stories becoming more mainstream in the mid twentieth century. Cute cookies were suddenly part of the celebration, not just dessert.

The best part is that these traditions keep evolving. Every family puts their own spin on holiday cookies, which means the most memorable batches are often the ones that look a little imperfect and taste exactly right.