During the festive season it is important for families to spend not only quality time but fun time together. A great way to share some quality and fun time is to make and bake Christmas cookies. Even very young children can participate and they especially love the job or stirring or adding ingredients. Its quality time because you are doing something together as a family where you have to show patience, support and interact with each other in a positive and good spirited manner. Its also an opportunity to show off your talents as a family as Christmas cookies make a great gift in a Christmas decorated jar for family and friends to enjoy!

The German traditions that led to Christmas cookies used less sugar and more spices like, nutmeg (as sugar was once a very expensive item that the average family could little afford). Cinnamon, cloves, raisins and other dried fruit were also commonly used. Today more modern recipes have sugar added. To get you baking here is a sensational Christmas Cookie recipe thats easy and everyone will love:

Christmas Cookie Wreaths Recipe: Ingredients -
2 eggs beaten,
cup of butter,
1 cup of chopped raisins or dates,
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract,
teaspoon of ground ginger,
1 cup of sugar,
4 teaspoons cream,
1 teaspoon of baking soda,
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and
3 cups of flour sifted.

Method - mix butter and sugar in bowl until creamy. Whip eggs and cream together then add other ingredients and mix well until mixture forms a dough texture. Place in the refrigerator to chill. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove dough from refrigerator and cut into small pieces. Roll into wreath shapes. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 minutes. Let cookies cool. Place in a jar and add Christmas decorations.

You will definitely want a variety of recipes both old and new. Here are 4 top Christmas cookie recipe books bound to be holiday favorites for generations to come:

1. Christmas Cookies Are for Giving: Recipes, Stories and Tips for Making Heartwarming Gifts by Kristin Johnson, Mimi Cummins.

2. Family Fun Cookies for Christmas: 50 recipes for You and Your Kids by Deanna F. Cook

3. Christmas Cookies (Favorite Brand Name Recipes) - There are lots of easy and unique recipes to enjoy.

4. All-time Favorite Christmas Cookies - this one is readily available as an ebook for instant download.

Celebrate this season by introducing a family Christmas cookie baking day. It will fast become a fun tradition that you will all love and look forward to each year as you make and bake delicious Christmas cookies together. Dont forget to leave some out for Santa!