Cookies for Santa

Wondering how to tempt Jolly old saint Nick down the chimney? Hint: Appeal to his sweet tooth.

It's no secret that the trick to keeping Santa happy is to set out a plate of warm, homemade cookies for him. But what is the best cookie for the job? Always looking for a good excuse to eat, we at American Way decided to hold a cookie bake-off to find out. We had 25 entries in all (who knew we had such an avid bunch of bakers on staff?), and after each and every one was tasted, we ended up with not one favorite cookie, but five. And because we want Santa to be nice to our readers, we are sharing the winning recipes with you. So, whether you've been naughty or nice this year, try one (or all) of these recipes, and you'll be sure to get everything on your list.

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Ranger Cookies
submitted by Tommie Long, editorial assistant
- recipe given to her by a close friend 35 years ago

2 cups shortening
2 cups sugar
2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups flour
4 teaspoons soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups coconut
4 cups oatmeal
4 cups Post Toasties

Preheat oven to 375°. Cream shortening and sugars; add eggs, vanilla, and then dry ingredients. Beat well. Add coconut and oatmeal, and beat well. Lightly fold in Post Toasties. Drop onto baking sheet, and bake till golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Makes 9 dozen.

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Chocolate Mint Marvels

submitted by Chris Wessling, senior editor
- from his mother Mary Ann Wessling's recipe

¾ cup butter
1½ cups brown sugar
2 cups chocolate chips
2 eggs
2½ cups flour
1¼ teaspoons baking soda
3 or 4 packages of Andes mints