I did it.

I actually won this year's Cookie Exchange! Let me tell you, this annual cookie exchange with our sunday school class is serious business. Some start searching for the perfect cookie months ahead, but not me this year. Which is one of the things that might have helped me win. :) Check out Leslie's post for more pictures of our fun night!

I'm not going to lie. I did try a few recipes before making the final decision and they were pretty good, but just lacking that thing to make me say, "this is it". I told myself I would do something different this year and make a cookie without frosting. Yeah right. I should have known better. I love sugar too much and there's just nothing better than a glazed or frosted cookie, right?!

And when I saw these Iced Eggnog cookies, I couldn't resist.

photo via Madison, from espresso and cream

The only thing I did to adapt the cookie dough was use 1/2 whole wheat flour and 1/2 all purpose (1 cup each). The original glaze was just not enough for me and I used this instead:

Eggnog Icing

8T. butter, softened
1 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
pinch cinnamon
pinch kosher salt
1/4 cup eggnog
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Here are the two recipes that didn't make the cut. Both good and worth making sometime.

Hot Cocoa Cookies and Browned Butter Sugar Cookies.

The winning prize you might be wondering? Just the cutest apron I've ever seen. And my first! My clothes are thanking me, now (and I'm thanking you, Leslie!).

Just so you know, my vote went to another Leslie and her amazing chai cookies. My first try at these were just not as good as yours, Leslie! Can you make some more, please?!

And in case you're wondering, I did finish a few of those Christmas projects and will share soon!

Unfortunately, the one thing we didn't do this year is send out Christmas cards. No real good reason, just didn't do it this year. But we're sure our friends and family know we love them! We'll get it together next year, promise.