Easy Christmas Cookies & Treats Recipes

Here is a selection of two quick and easy cookies that can be made for the Holidays. Each will make a great addition to our family selection of Christmas cookies and treats. Using pantry items, each recipe is inexpensive to make as well.

Easy Oatmeal Currant Cookies

Instead of heavy cream, this recipe uses evaporated milk for richness. Use dark raisins if currants are unavailable.

2 cups rolled oats
2 cups all purpose flour, sifted and divided
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup corn oil
2 large eggs, beaten
1/3 cup evaporated canned milk
1 cup currants, tossed about 1 tablespoon of the sifted flour

Preaheat oven to 350 degrees.

Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl. Take out about a tablespoon and toss with the currants to keep them separate and prevent sticking.

Add in the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cloves. Mix the dry ingredients well.

In a separate bowl, mix the corn oil, eggs and evaporated canned milk. Add the wet ingredients all to the dry ingredients, and mix until well combined. Add in the currants and mix well.

Drop by large teaspoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet and bake in oven until lightly browned, about 10 to 15 minutes depending on the size of the cookie.

Transfer to a cooling rack and cool before serving.

Easy Christmas Candied Fruit Bars

Use golden raisins and your favorite candied fruit for this recipe.

1 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup candied fruits, diced about the same size as the raisins
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup melted margarine
3/4 cup all purpose flour, sifted
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 8 or 9 inch square baking pan well. Set aside.

Take the raisins and the candied fruits and toss in a large mixing bowl. Separate any clumps. Stir in the pecans. Mix well to incorporate the ingredients.

In a small bowl, stir the eggs and the vanilla together. Stir in the cooled, melted margarine. Mix the flour, salt and baking powder together and add into the egg mixture. Add this to the raisin, candied fruit and nut mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Transfer this mixture into the reserved greased baking pan. Spread to make sure it goes flat on all corners and is even. Bake in the oven until bars test done, about 25 to 35 minutes, depending on the size of the pan.