Christmas time is a wonderful time in so many ways: family gatherings, Christmas caroling, decorating the family Christmas tree, shopping for gifts, and last but certainly not least, baking (and eating) Christmas cookies. There are many kinds of delicious treats to make around the holidays, so many kinds, in fact, that eating Christmas cookies prompt people to make a New Year’s Resolution to lose weight.

For those of you reading this that have not started baking yet, here are some Christmas cookies and other delicious things you should start making now. And remember to put your best ones out for Santa!

Cutout Cookies

Ahh – a Christmas favorite! It’s a treat because of how it tastes and the creativity and individuality you put into each one. If you don’t make these at Christmastime, is it even Christmas?

Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/10402/the-best-rolled-sugar-cookies/

Kolacky

There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of kolacky before, but I urge you to try them. Kolacky are my favorite kind of Christmas cookie and my favorite Christmas tradition since they are from my family’s culture.

Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/10231/cream-cheese-kolacky/?internalSource=staff%20pick&referringId=358&referringContentType=recipe%20hub&clickId=cardslot%208

Snickerdoodles

I love when the sugar and cinnamon just melts in your mouth.

Recipe: http://www.food.com/recipe/soft-snickerdoodle-cookies-97496

Spritz Cookies

These are fun because you can make them in different shapes and put sprinkles on them.

Recipe: https://www.landolakes.com/recipe/16788/best-ever-spritz-cookie/

Peanut Butter Cookies

It’s classic but so good! Also, making the fork marks on the top of each cookie is oddly satisfying.

Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/11352/three-ingredient-peanut-butter-cookies/

Buckeyes

Going along with the peanut butter theme, buckeyes always make my mouth water. Peanut butter and chocolate make a great combination. Plus, if you’re an OSU fan, this dessert is your signature.

Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/9909/buckeyes-i/

Chocolate-Covered Foods

My family likes to chocolate cover foods and decorate them for the holidays. We usually do chocolate-covered marshmallows, graham crackers, pretzels, Oreos and strawberries, but you could try chocolate covering anything you wish.

Peppermint Bark

For anyone who loves peppermint flavor, peppermint bark is a good option to try.

Recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/almost-famous-peppermint-bark-recipe.html