Manchester City Library

For the past five years the library staff has embraced a new holiday tradition: the cookie swap. It began as an event planned by the TQM Committee as a way to help improve staff morale and has become one of those events that staff members have kept asking for–and so it has continued. The cookie swap is simple: bring 2 dozen cookies with copies of the recipe to share and an empty container to put your goodies in. When the exchange is over each person leaves with a sampler of delicious cookies, some excellent recipes, and their holiday baking is done! To send you all a bit of holiday cheer we would like to share a wonderful cookie recipe with you.

This year’s delicacies included:

• German Chocolate Crinkle Cookies from Amy H.,
• Pfeffernusse Cookies from Michele G.,
• Peanut Butter Balls from Cindy,
• Red’s Christmas Bars from Jan,
• Chocolatey Raspberry Crumb Bars from Steve,
• Raspberry Pillows from Yvonne,
• Lichen brought chocolate crinkles (recipe below) and molasses (cookies).

Chocolate Crinkles – a Rancourt family tradition

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 oz unsweetened baking chocolate, melted, cooled
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

1. In large bowl, mix oil, chocolate, granulated sugar and vanilla – test to make sure it tastes okay. Stir in eggs, one at a time. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt.
2. Cover; refrigerate at least 3 hours or, if you can’t wait that long, put it in the freezer for ten minutes and call it good.
3. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheet with shortening or cooking spray.
4. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls into powdered sugar; roll around to coat and shape into balls. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Don’t eat more than six spoonsfulls – more than that always gives you a tummy ache
5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until almost no imprint remains when touched lightly in center. Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks

If you’re dying for any of the recipes for the other offerings leave a comment and we’ll make a case to the bakers to share their recipes.