I bought this outstanding collection of Christmas cookie recipes in 2011, and have now used it through two holiday seasons, finding it an excellent resource. I gained a number of new ideas from it, and thought the instructions were helpful and clear. Although I have not made every cookie in the book, I have enjoyed every recipe that I tried. This year I made a variety of cookies for our family celebration, some that have been in the family since I was a girl - mostly bar cookies dreamt up in the 1950s (so I suspect), and given to me by my Great Aunt Audrey - and some from Rose Levy Beranbaum's book.

The Traditional Rolled Christmas Sugar Cookie recipe is outstanding, far superior to the one I had been using - I liked the subtle citrus flavor to them - although it didn't produce as many cookies as I'd hoped. Perhaps next year I'll try a double batch. The Stained Glass cookies were fun to make, and turned out quite well - this was my first time making them, and I thought they were prettier than they were tasty. The Christmas Wreaths - this treat is rather like Rice Krispie Treats, only made with corn flakes, and green food dye added to the marshmallow/butter mixture - also looked well, although I continue to fail to produce actual wreaths, ending up with little holly and ivy clumps. The Mexican Wedding Hats were delicious - I'd never made this cookie before - although I think I should have dipped them in the confectioner's sugar a few more times. Finally, the Cashew Puffies were delightful, with a lovely light flavor - satisfying, but not too sweet, serving as a nice counterpart to some of the more sugary treats.

All in all, Christmas cookies were a success this year, thanks in part to this wonderful book! I look forward to using these recipes again, and to trying new ones. Perhaps next year I will attempt the Maple Walnut Sablé Sandwiches! ( )

Excellent cookie book with detailed, classic recipes for both the novice and the professional baker. The full color photographs of the finished cookies are very helpful. Each recipe includes "smart cookie" tips and information about how to store the cookies and how long each type of cookie keeps. The book is divided into 6 types of cookies: Tree & Mantelpiece Cookies, Cookies to Make for and/or with Kids, Cookies for Giving, Cookies for Sending, Cookies for an Open House, and Cookies for Holiday Dinner Parties. Includes classic recipes such as Christmas Wreaths made from corn flakes. The back of the book includes a template for a gingerbread cathedral as well as information on weights and measures, equivalencies and subsititutions, ingredients, equipment, and an index. A true classic! ( )

I use this one every Christmas too. One strong point for me is that Rose explains how to store each variety and tells whether or not I can mail them. Plus the cookie recipes are classics! ( )

I love this cookie book. It offers smart tips on each cookie as well a picture of the cookie. There are a variety of specialty cookies for the holidays. ( )

Are you kidding me? I still make money off recipes in this book. I know a lot of people are put off by the intense amount of information she provides with each recipe. A question for those who feel that way: is it because you hate perfect food? Is that why? Really? ( )