Twice-the-Fun Cookies

For one day, let this be your motto: The more, the merrier. Put on a colorful apron (kids too!), and line up those mixing bowls and baking sheets. We have three delicious recipes that give new flavors to your favorite holiday bites. When you're finished, you'll have plenty to snack on and share with friends and family.

• Angel Cookies
• Buttercream Frosting
• Chocolate Filling
• Cranberry-White Chocolate Cookies
• Shortbread Thumbelinas

EXTRA FUN FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Let their imaginations run wild when decorating frosted cookies. Set out bowls of colorful candies and sprinkles.

Place Christmas coloring books, crayons, paper, and stickers on a side table. When the cookies are baking (and boredom sets in), kids can stay occupied at a crafts corner.

Make giving an exciting activity. As you bake, ask youngsters to decide which cookies should go to which family members, friends, and charities. Ask them to create tags from construction paper to tie on the gift boxes, and take the kids along when the goodies are delivered.

"Twice-the-Fun Cookies" is from the December 2005 issue of Southern Living.