Introducing the 12 Days of Christmas✨

This week, someone made a comment about me being super on the ball. I simply replied, “It’s the holidays. I slay 11 months out of the year, but in December – I’m in SLEIGH mode.”

I’m pretty jolly 365 days of the year, but when the holidays roll around, there is nothing stopping me from baking up a storm, shopping till I drop (then drinking another starbucks latte and getting back up again), sending out 50+ holiday cards, and of course – creating plenty of festive content for the blog.

This year, following what was arguably the biggest year for this blog – Santa, did I mention I was incredibly good this year AND rebranded AND launched an online shop? – I thought it was only appropriate to go big or go home this Christmas.

Which is why, I’m thrilled to tell you a bit more about this year’s 12 Days of Christmas here on East Coast Mermaid in the video below! 👇🏻

✨12 Days Of Christmas✨ from Crystal on Vimeo.

And now – here is Day 1 of the 12 Days of Christmas! 

When it comes to the holidays, I’m a total creature of habit. Traditions are important. Having a holiday wrapping paper theme is important. Baking each and every one of the holiday essentials is important.

This year, I’m trying to live a little on the edge and try some new things, which means new holiday recipes.

Here’s a ridiculously cute one I played with that was a hit with everyone that tried one!

Rudolph Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup of unsalted Butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup creamy Peanut Butter
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/4 cups Flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• Red M&M’s for the noses
• Chocolate Chips for the eyes (I used semi sweet milk chocolate)
• Pretzel Pieces for the antlers (bring your patience for snapping these into perfect antlers)

To get started, preheat your oven to 375℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Next, in a large bowl, mix together your butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar with an electric mixer. Slow speed to medium and add your egg + vanilla extract.

In a smaller bowl, whisk together your flour + baking powder + salt for about 20 seconds.

Toss that mixture into your creamy mixture and stir together. Make sure everything is nicely combined with no flour clumps remaining.

Next, it’s to roll your cookies. Create small balls, like the size of a peanut butter ball, and add to your lined cookie sheet. Make sure they’re about 2″ apart. Push the balls down to slightly flatten them.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are slightly golden.

Remove from the oven and immediately add your eyes (chocolate chips), nose (M&Ms) and antlers (pretzels). It helps if you have broken your pretzels into antlers earlier.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes and then add to a cooling rack.

And now the most important step – ENJOY! Take these cute treats to your holiday party, office, or home to family and watch the smiles fill the room.

What’s your favorite holiday recipe?

Disclaimer: This recipe was found on Yummly and credit goes to White on Rice Couple.