Soft Christmas Cookies

 Soft Christmas Cookies:

Here’s a festive and foolproof recipe for **Soft Christmas Cookies** – pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth treats that can be decorated any way you like for the holiday season.

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## Soft Christmas Cookies Recipe

### Why You’ll Love Them

These cookies are thick, soft, and buttery with a hint of vanilla – the kind that stay tender for days and are perfect for frosting and sprinkles. They’re a holiday staple because they’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and fun to decorate together.

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### Ingredients

#### For the Cookies

* **2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour** – Provides structure.

* **1 teaspoon baking powder** – Helps them puff up slightly.

* **½ teaspoon baking soda** – Keeps them soft and tender.

* **½ teaspoon salt** – Balances sweetness.

* **¾ cup unsalted butter, softened** – For rich flavor and soft texture.

* **1 cup granulated sugar** – Sweetness and lightness.

* **1 large egg** – Binds the dough.

* **2 teaspoons vanilla extract** – Classic flavor base.

* **½ cup sour cream** – The secret to soft, moist cookies.

#### For the Frosting

* **3 cups powdered sugar** – Smooth, sweet base.

* **⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened** – Creamy richness.

* **2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream** – To adjust consistency.

* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract** – Flavor boost.

* Food coloring & sprinkles – For decorating.

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### Instructions

1. **Make the dough**

   * In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

   * In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

   * Mix in the egg and vanilla. Stir in sour cream until smooth.

   * Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.

2. **Chill the dough**

   * Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or overnight). This makes it easier to roll and cut.

3. **Roll & cut**

   * Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   * Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.

   * Use Christmas cookie cutters (trees, stars, bells, etc.) to cut shapes.

4. **Bake**

   * Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

   * Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are just set but not browned (they’ll stay soft).

   * Cool completely before frosting.

5. **Frost & decorate**

   * Beat powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.

   * Tint frosting with food coloring if desired.

   * Frost cookies and top with festive sprinkles.

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### Pro Tips

* For extra flavor, add a hint of almond extract to the dough or frosting.

* Don’t overbake – take them out when they look just set for maximum softness.

* Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers; they stay soft for up to a week.

* Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months, then thaw and decorate fresh.

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### Serving Ideas

* Pack in holiday tins for gifting.

* Arrange on a platter with other festive cookies (gingerbread, shortbread, peppermint bark).

* Make it a family tradition: set up a decorating station with different frostings and sprinkles for kids (and adults!).

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Would you like me to also give you a **no-ch

ill, quick version** of these cookies for when you need a last-minute Christmas batch?

Philly cheesesteak egg rolls

 Do you enjoy egg rolls? I adore them and wanted to create something unique and delectable with them. Yesterday, I made these delicious Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, and my family devoured them. They’re ideal for a game day party (football season is just around the corner) or a fall patio party. Who needs a summer patio party when you can have one in the fall with a bonfire and marshmallows? These beauties come together quickly, and the filling can be made ahead of time.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons butter

1 yellow onion, chopped

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

24 egg roll wrappers

12 slices American cheese

3/4 cup vegetable oil for frying

How To Make Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls:

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook beef, breaking apart as little as possible, until browned and still the size of peas, 5 to 7 minutes. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir gently and remove mixture from pan.

Melt butter in the skillet. Add onion and bell pepper; cook and stir until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Return beef mixture to the skillet and stir to combine. Let filling cool while preparing the wrappers.

Lay egg roll wrappers on a flat surface. Place 1/2 a slice of American cheese onto each. Add 3 tablespoons of the filling on top of each egg roll. Pull the bottom left corner over the filling and fold the two sides in, moistening edges with water as you go; roll tightly.

Heat about 1 inch oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 3 to 4 egg rolls at a time and fry until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Repeat with remaining egg rolls.

Tips for the Best Philly Egg Rolls:

Steak– Rib eye or flank steak can also be used. Even ground hamburger works. Cut your steak into bite sized pieces for easier eating and filling.

Cheese– Trade out the Monterey jack with provolone slices, swiss or spice it up with pepper jack cheese.

Peppers and Onions– Power up the color and use red, yellow or orange peppers, try using a red onion, chop them into bite sized pieces for easier eating.

Wrappers– Don’t be nervous about folding your egg rolls. There are usually directions on the back of the package. Make sure you use a bit of water on the edges to seal them good.

Sauce-These are ideal for dipping. There are endless possibilities. Try your favorite cheese sauce, Ranch Dressing, Horseradish sauce, or BBQ sauce.

Amazing meal

 INGREDIENTS

6 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes

2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated

2 cups ham, diced

1/2 cup green onions, chopped

8 large eggs, beaten

2 (12 oz) cans evaporated milk

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION

When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F.

Arrange potatoes in the bottom of an 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese, ham, and green onion.

In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, evaporated milk, garlic salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over ingredients in baking dish.

Cover and refrigerate up to overnight, if desired. If chilled, bake uncovered until center is set, about 1 hour 30 minutes. If baking unchilled, reduce time to 1 hour 15 minutes.

Classic Cinnamon Toast

Classic Cinnamon Toast
 Here’s a simple but irresistible recipe for **Classic Cinnamon Toast**—the perfect nostalgic breakfast or snack that’s warm, buttery, and comforting.

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## Classic Cinnamon Toast Recipe

### Why You’ll Love It

Cinnamon toast is one of those timeless treats that never loses its charm. The combination of golden, buttery bread, sweet sugar, and warm cinnamon is cozy and satisfying. Best of all, it’s quick, inexpensive, and made with pantry staples.

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### Ingredients

* **4 slices bread** – White, whole wheat, or sourdough all work. Thick-cut bread makes it extra indulgent.

* **4 tablespoons butter, softened** – Spreads easily and creates that rich, golden layer.

* **3 tablespoons granulated sugar** – Adds sweetness and caramelizes under the broiler.

* **1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon** – Brings warmth and depth of flavor.

* **Pinch of salt (optional)** – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

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### Instructions

1. **Preheat the broiler** (or set oven to 400°F / 200°C if baking).

2. **Mix the topping**: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt (if using).

3. **Prepare the bread**: Spread each slice generously with softened butter, making sure to cover all the way to the edges.

4. **Sprinkle topping**: Evenly coat each buttered slice with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

5. **Toast**: Place on a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes (watch closely!) until bubbly and golden. If using the oven, bake for 8–10 minutes until crisp.

6. **Serve**: Cut diagonally for that classic diner feel and enjoy warm.

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### Pro Tips

* For extra crunch, sprinkle a little brown sugar along with the granulated sugar.

* Swap butter with cream cheese for a tangy twist.

* Use a toaster oven for small batches—fast and efficient.

* Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

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### Serving Ideas

* Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast.

* Serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for balance.

* Cut into strips to make fun **cinnamon toast “sticks”** for dipping.

Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion

 

Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion Recipe – Crispy, Golden, and Irresistible

Few appetizers are as iconic as the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion. Golden, crispy, and seasoned to perfection, this impressive dish is a showstopper whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, game-day party, or as a fun starter for dinner at home. The combination of a tender onion center wrapped in a crunchy, flavorful coating is what makes it absolutely irresistible. Paired with a creamy dipping sauce, it’s a bite of pure indulgence that keeps everyone reaching for more.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make a Bloomin’ Onion at home—with step-by-step instructions, pro tips for success, and serving ideas to turn this appetizer into a restaurant-quality experience.

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Ingredients for the Perfect Bloomin’ Onion

To recreate this famous dish, you’ll need a few simple pantry staples plus one large, fresh onion. Here’s the breakdown:

1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia) – The star of the show. Sweet onions are ideal because they have a mild flavor and tender layers that fry beautifully.

1 cup all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the coating, creating that irresistible crunch.

1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps the flour stick better and adds extra crispiness.

2 teaspoons paprika – Adds warm color and a subtle smoky flavor.

1 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses savory depth into the coating.

1 teaspoon onion powder – Reinforces the onion flavor, making every bite bolder.

1 teaspoon salt + ½ teaspoon black pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper – Provides a gentle heat (adjust to taste).

2 large eggs – Whisked with milk, this egg wash ensures the flour mixture clings to the onion.

1 cup whole milk – Adds richness and helps the batter bind.

Vegetable oil (for frying) – A neutral oil like canola or peanut oil works best for achieving a golden, crispy crust.

For the Copycat Dipping Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise – Creamy base.

2 tablespoons ketchup – Adds tangy sweetness.

1 tablespoon horseradish – Brings a little kick.

½ teaspoon paprika – Enhances flavor and color.

½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savoriness.

Salt and pepper, to taste – Rounds out the flavors.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

1. Peel the onion and cut off the top (stem end), leaving the root intact.

2. Place the onion root-side down. Starting ½ inch from the root, make a downward cut all the way to the cutting board.

Rotate the onion and continue cutting until you’ve made 12–16 evenly spaced cuts.

4. Gently separate the onion “petals” to resemble a blooming flower.

Step 2: Make the Seasoned Flour

In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mix well.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Batter

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.

Step 4: Coat the Onion

1. Dredge the onion in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it gets between all the petals. Shake off the excess.

2. Dip the onion into the egg mixture until fully coated.

3. Return it to the flour mixture for a second coating, pressing the flour into all the crevices.

Step 5: Fry the Onion

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the onion.

2. Carefully lower the onion, cut-side down, into the oil. Fry for 6–8 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

3. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve