Prairie Wife’s Favorite Family Friendly Christmas Cookie Recipes

Every year we like to kick off the Holiday season with a cookie exchange. It's a fun and easy way to gather up with friends for the Holidays, and the end result is always a tasty sampling of fabulous sweet treats.

Over the years I've found a few recipes that are always a big hit with our friends and family. They are also a big win for me because they are easy to make with my children (ages 13-4) and don't take too much prep time.

This recipe is for the best chocolate chip cookies ever...legit. Simply exchange the chocolate chips for Christmas colored m&m's and you have an easy holiday treat.

White Chocolate Dipped pretzel rods. My older kids can make these with no help from me at all. I like to use white candy melts because they easily melt in the microwave. Use sprinkles, crushed up peppermint candy, mini m&m's, or holiday cookie crumbs to coat the pretzel rods with flavor and color.

Peanut Butter Hershey Kiss Cookies are a family tradition. I remember scarfing down dozens of them at my Grandma's house every year. I encourage you to mix it up with some white chocolate kisses or use a chocolate dough with the peppermint Hershy Kisses for a fresh take on this traditional recipe.

Peppermint Bark is one of my favorite Holiday treats. Normally this is a hard treat to make, but I have found a recipe that works out each and every time. The trick is, to use a double boiler to melt your chocolate instead of the microwave. While it takes longer, it's worth it...trust me.

When we asked you on Facebook what some of your favorites were, you happily shared.

It looks like we aren't the only ones that have family recipes that we like to make every year.

Note: Sugar cookies are always a big hit around here because my kids love to frost and decorate them. I have yet to find a great recipe that allows me to make the perfect sugar cookie, so I usually buy a boxed mix or premade dough.

Make sure you tag us on Instagram in any of your pictures if you try out these recipes.