Have you been invited to a cookie exchange this holiday season? A cookie swap can be a great way to simplify your holiday baking. Typically a group of eight to 10 friends, co-workers and/or family get together, just before the peak of the season, and swap their favourite cookies and recipes. You’ll be making a large batch of one recipe, so you may be able to buy ingredients in bulk. To help you bring a unique cookie to the party, I’ve picked three delicious GoBarley recipes that are perfect for your holiday cookie exchange (and to have on hand for friends and family).
Barley Flake Cookies with Cashews and Ginger
These showstopper cookies are easy-to-make with only seven ingredients, including 1 ½ cups of barley flakes. Barley flakes can be purchased at bulk baking supply stores, as well as some grocery stores. The combination of the coconut, cashews and chewy candied ginger makes for a meringue-like cookie with a crunchy glazed bottom. Everyone at the exchange will be begging you for this recipe!
Jane’s Holiday Baking Tip
The cookies spread while baking, so leave room on the foil lined baking sheet. After baking at 350°F (180°C) for 8 minutes, check cookies for doneness; we don’t want to bring burnt cookies to the exchange!
Chocolate and Chocolate Chip Cookies
Want a cookie that satisfies your chocolate craving? This recipe includes both unsweetened cocoa powder and chocolate chips. It will satisfy all of the “chocoholics” at your cookie exchange! The two cups of whole barley flour adds a nutty flavour and some fibre to these scrumptious cookies. You’ll be the star of the cookie swap for thinking outside the shortbread cookie jar with these chocolaty treats.
Jane’s Holiday Baking Tip
The recipe makes three dozen (36) cookies, so it’s a snap to increase it to nine dozen just by tripling the entire ingredient list for grocery shopping and baking day.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg Cookies
Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger create a flavourful winter spice for these yummy cookies studded with raisins. Barley’s versatility and nutrition make it a perfect ingredient for homemade snacks, including these cookies for your holiday swap. This recipe combines both barley flakes and whole barley flour for a delicious nutty taste and crispy texture, which will surely make these a holiday favourite.
Jane’s Holiday Baking Tip
Take inventory of your spices and their shelf life. Make sure you are using fresh cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, doing so will give your holiday baking the best flavour and colour.
Barley Bottom-line
Holiday cookie exchanges are a lot of fun with relatively little work and preparation. As a bonus, you’ll be able to share your favourite barley cookies with friends and family for their holiday festivities too!
Have a favourite cookie recipe with barley? Share it with us!
