In recent years “cookie exchanges” have been the trend during the Christmas season—an innovative way to get a variety of cookies for your holiday buffet.
The Disciples women of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have been pooling their baking skills for years, resulting in one of the sweetest traditions carried on during the holidays.
In December, the Disciples Women bring home-made cookies and candy to the monthly meeting. After the program and lunch, they gather around the tables in fellowship hall and fill gift bags with the sweet assortment of home-baked goods. The packaged goodies are delivered to members who are no longer mobile (often shut-in) due to age or health issues.
It’s a simple gesture, but it means a lot to those who can’t get out like they once did. And for the women who participate—it helps us focus on what is really important in this fast-paced world.
Following is a time-tested recipe for sugar cookies. Miss Cratie Cagle, who lived on Angora St. in Little Forest Hills, shared this cookie recipe with her next door neighbor, Irene Whitington, in 1944.
Irene’s son Frank remembers Miss Cagle as a “sweet old maid” from his childhood. He saved this cookie recipe and shared it with the Disciple Women. The cookie was a big hit and people were asking for the recipe.
It likely brought back memories of a cookie from Christmas past.
Miss Cratie Cagle’s Plain Sugar Cookies
Pre-heat oven to 350. Grease cookie sheet or line with parchment paper.
2 cups flour (sifted)
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup Crisco (shortening)
1 egg
4 tablespoons milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Sift flour, salt and baking powder. Cream shortening, sugar and egg. Add milk and vanilla. Mix. Add dry ingredients and mix. Add enough flour to roll out thin. Cut cookies with cookie cutters and put on prepared cookie sheet. Bake until golden brown, about eight minutes. Icing and candies optional.