Christmas, Christmas Time is Here…

It’s not like I didn’t warn you…not like I didn’t mention my over fondness for all things Christmas. Hell, I put my Christmas tree in my HALLWAY because it wouldn’t fit anywhere else in my basement apartment. I don’t care…it’s up and it’s beautiful. And now, let the Christmas baking begin!!!!!!

At this time I wish to disclose something: I love the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie. Okay, maybe love isn’t a strong enough word as I have already watched said movie over 30 times. My absolute favorite part of said movie? The Christmas song of course! I mean come on people, it’s CHIPMUNKS SINGING ABOUT CHRISTMAS!!!! What is there not to like? I mean, granted a grown woman singing “I still want a hoola hoop” at the top of her lungs may be a little annoying (especially to her poor co-workers) but I don’t really concern myself with such things. I mean, it’s an ENTIRE MOVIE ABOUT TALKING CHIPMUNKS! TALKING CHIPMUNKS people!

Why bring up my love for Alvin and the Chipmunks? Because I was singing said song while decorating Christmas cookies. Yes, a grown ass woman was bopping around her house singing “Christmas, Christmas time is here” with icing all over her face and apron. And this is why I love this time of year: you can act like a little kid and no one gives it a second thought (well except for my co-worker…don’t worry Dan, I will resume my normal demeanor come January).

Christmas Sugar Cookies (from Allrecipes.com)

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups white sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

For the icing, combine 1 and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of almond or vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk together in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth (you may need to add a bit more milk to reach your desired consistency). You can tint the icing with food coloring or use as is. NOTE: This is the fun part!!!!!!! Using either a knife or a pastry brush, “paint” the cookies with the icing and then sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles (Chipmunk singing is optional).