It’s hard to believe that 2022 is coming to a close, but more so that it’s been over three years since the original Fine Cooking Magazine published a holiday issue. I won’t get all sentimental about it, but honestly, there’s really been no other publication that could hold a candle to the holiday cookies feature in the magazine.

Over the years, I recall having many incredible opportunities to test an assortment of holiday cookies that were nothing less than perfect. The cookie recipes in their rough format began streaming into the test kitchen in June, and although it was hard to get into the holiday spirit on a steaming hot summer day, with the help of Nat King Cole and, dare I say, Elvis, it was as close as we were going to get.

Here’s a list of a few of my favorite recipes, spanning from the time I worked at the magazine and well before, when I was a loyal subscriber, much like all of you. Hopefully, this list will help you navigate to the recipe you’re looking for — click the links to open PDF’s in a new tab!

12 Great Cookies from 12 Great Years
Curated by Martha Holmberg; December 2006, Issue #86

• Almond Biscotti: Recipe Developer Emily Luchetti
• Raspberry Bars: Recipe Developer Patricia Ann Heyman
• Cocoa Walnut Butter Cookies: Recipe Developer Alice Medrich
• Coffee Thins: Recipe Developer Abby Dodge
• Toasted Almond Butter Thins: Recipe Developer Joanne Chang
• Blondies: Recipe Developer Cindy Mitchell
• Sugar Cookies: Recipe Developer Melissa Murphy Hagenbart
• Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies: Recipe Developer Linda Weber
• Chewy Cranberry-Oatmeal Cookies: Recipe Developer Elaine Khosrova
• Orange-Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies: Recipe Developer Carolyn Weil
• Chocolate Chunk Cookes: Recipe Developer Joanne Chang
• Double-Ginger Crackles: Recipe Developer Abby Dodge

Slice & Bake Cookies
Recipe Developer Elaine Khosrova; Baking 2002, Issue #54

• Orange Poppy-Seed Cookies
• Marbled Chocolate-Vanilla Cookies
• Maple-Walnut Butter Cookies

More Great Cookies from More Great Years,
Curated by me!

• Gluten-Free Vanilla-Bean Butter Cutouts with Cream Cheese Glaze: Recipe Developer Kim Masibay, Dec/Jan 2019, Issue #156
• Mint Chocolate Bars: Recipe Developer Sarah Kieffer, Dec/Jan 2018, Issue #150
• Kourabiedes: Recipe Developer Diana Andrews, Dec/Jan 2019, Issue #156

Since the Fine Cooking website was shut down, consider joining the Fine Cooking Community group on Facebook!

What are some of your favorite recipes, tips, or advice for making the perfect holiday cookies? Let me know in the comments below!

–Chef Diana

Giving credit where credit is due:
Featured image: Mark Mühlberger on Unsplash
All other food styling credits: Ronne Day, Jerrie-Joy Redman-Lloyd
All other photography credits: Scott Phillips, Kate Sears
I apologize to anyone I might have overlooked for past issues shared here.