’Tis the season for a cookie swap. In our Holiday Cookies Special Issue, co-produced with feedfeed, we gathered six standouts in the baking world for a day full of cookies, canyons, and conversation in Southern California. From festive mint chocolate sandwich cookies to spiced Linzer cookies, these sweets will bring everyone to the table. Check out each attendee below and the goodies they brought. Want to make one of these recipes for an upcoming holiday shindig? Get the recipes in the Holiday Cookies Special Issue, out now!
San Fernando Valley, California
Christine Carlson’s blog asks the enigmatic question, What do you crave? After ogling her compulsively delicious Instagram feed, the short answer is: anything Christine is baking. With roots in Nicaragua, her fond childhood memories of baking in the kitchen with three generations of women has turned this savory guru to the sweet side.
What she brought: Christine shared her scrumptious Spiced Pineapple Linzer Cookies that will give you warm reminders of sunny afternoons even in the coldest of winter’s months. A take on her Grandma Noretta’s cinnamon-spiced pineapple tart, these Linzer cookies are flavored with earthy sage, spicy ginger, and warm toasted coconut.
Los Angeles, California
They say good things come in pairs, and Ryan Alvarez and Adam Merrin, better known as Husbands That Cook, are no exception. Creating culinary magic together in their cozy California kitchen, this vegetarian duo does everything from rich and decadent desserts to tasty and healthy vegan options.
What they brought: Ryan and Adam awakened everyone’s taste buds with refreshing Pink Grapefruit Bars made with fresh juice. Lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar, these irresistible sweet squares bring a little citrus and sunshine to the holidays.
Santa Ynez Valley, California
Despite her blog’s title, DisplacedHousewife, Rebecca Firth is far from the typical housewife. This single mom of two has been baking her way to the top of the food blogosphere since 2014, continuously showing off her creative chops with over-the-top recipes, dramatic photography, and a signature hint of wit.
What she brought: Rebecca dazzled and delighted with her Gold Leaf Bourbon Caramel Millionaire Bites. Yes, they’re as good as they sound. A true LA cookie, this confection is the answer if you’re looking for an easy yet showstopping sweet.
Los Angeles, California
Since stepping away from the corporate world five years ago and hightailing it to culinary school, Amanda Frederickson has taken Los Angeles by storm as a professional cook and food stylist. After a distinguished tenure at the Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen, Amanda turned her attention to her self-named blog, where she demystifies the unique challenge of baking flawless seasonal desserts and cookies and, her specialty, the art of pie.
What she brought: Amanda shared her go-to holiday recipe, Mint Chocolate Biscuit Sandwich Cookies. Growing up, her favorite cookie was the mint Milano, so she brought a brush of winter chill with her version of the cookie classic.
Santa Barbara, California
With a blend of sass and heart, Becky Sue Wilberding’s blog, Baking the Goods, possesses a designer’s eye, a writer’s flair, and a baker’s sensibility. Pairing personal, cheeky anecdotes with each recipe, Becky Sue leaves you laughing over her spirited humor and sighing over her mouthwatering dishes.
What she brought: Becky Sue features a surprising ingredient in her Meyer Lemon & Almond Madeleines. By replacing the usual browned butter with avocado oil, she gives an airy SoCal vibe to the traditional French cookie.
