A special way to spread cheer this holiday season
Creating personalized recipe card gifts for the holidays is an easy, heartfelt way to share culinary inspiration with loved ones. This gift idea is highly adaptable and perfect for anyone on your list—it can be simplified for a more budget-friendly version or dressed up with stylish, complementary items for a luxe touch. In this guide, you’ll find three ideas to spark your creativity, showing how these recipe cards can be a memorable standalone gift or part of a thoughtfully curated set with holiday accents. Add a dash of charm and a pinch of personalization, and you have a gift that’s every bit as thoughtful as it is festive.
CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT SWIRL COOKIES
Crushed peppermint bark adds a cooling crunch and velvety texture to these decadent cookies, making them an irresistible holiday indulgence.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
For the frosting:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup crushed peppermint bark or candy canes
Instructions
Make the cookies:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, blending until dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, place on the prepared baking sheet, and flatten slightly with your hand.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare frosting & assemble cookies:
6. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable. Adjust milk as needed for consistency.
7. Spread a layer of frosting on each cooled cookie, then sprinkle the crushed peppermint bark over the frosting while it’s still wet to help it stick. Let the frosting set, then serve and enjoy!
Anthropologie | HOLIFAYE, Ceramic Stoneware Platter in Holly, $44.00
Paper Source | RIFLE PAPER CO., Floral Recipe Cards, Set of 12 (4 x 6), $14.50
Sur La Table | Gingerbread Cookies Apron, $39.95
