RecipesRaspberry Pistachio Thumbprints Thumbprint cookies are a Christmas classic, and I especially like my updated version with pistachios. The rich, buttery bites are not only delicious, but they are also pretty enough to give for gifts—if you manage to share them! —Laura Murphy, Columbus, Mississippi
RecipesSanta Cookies I’ve used this recipe for almost 40 years and love it because it’s a little different than most. My mom always made Santa cookies, and we’d put them into little clear bags tied with ribbon to hang on the tree.—Ann Bush, Colorado City, Colorado
RecipesParty Crab Puffs I received this recipe years ago from my grandmother. She also told me to have fun being creative and experimenting in the kitchen. My friends request these little puffs at every gathering. —Jean Bevilacqua, Rhododendron, Oregon
RecipesEggnog Cake This impressive layered eggnog cake, perfect for holiday parties, will make you wish eggnog wasn’t a seasonal ingredient. —Debra Frappolli, Wayne, New Jersey
RecipesChocolate Peanut Butter Cake The combination of mocha and peanut butter will satisfy every sweet tooth at your table. The garnish is a little extra work, but what are special occasions for? —Tammy Bollman, Minatare, Nebraska
RecipesScottish Shortbread My mother, who is of Scottish heritage, passed this shortbread recipe, along with other favorite recipes, on to me. When I entered this treat at our local fair, it won a red ribbon. —Rose Mabee, Selkirk, Manitoba
RecipesPizza Oyster Crackers This quick and easy snack is a favorite of my kids. I always include a baggie in their lunch boxes. —Carol S Betz, Grand Rapids, Michigan
RecipesSavory Cracker Snack Mix After trying a snack mix with the flavors of my favorite Everything bagel seasoning, a friend suggested I make it even more versatile with something other than oyster crackers. Now it’s a deliciously addictive snack! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
RecipesBrown Sugar Icebox Cookies My daughters and I have been fairly successful competitors at county fairs and baking contests for years. This is one of our winning recipes. —Eilene Bogar, Minier, Illinois
RecipesPeppermint Schnapps Hot Cocoa Snowflakes Mint and chocolate are perfect partners in these cutout cookies! —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
RecipesCookie Cake This oversized cookie cake recipe is so easy and quick that I just might make it instead of traditional cookies from now on. I don’t miss portioning out dough or shuffling pans in and out of the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
RecipesFrozen Peanut Parfait Pies People will think you went to a lot of trouble to make these luscious pies, but with just six ingredients, they’re quite simple to make. The crowd-pleasing dessert will be the hit of any potluck or party. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
RecipesNo-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Pie There’s a berried treasure at the bottom of this creamy concoction. You’ll not find a fresher finale to a summertime meal. —Debbi Oeltjen, Sublimity, Oregon
RecipesRed, White and Blueberry Ice Cream Pie with Granola Crust One of my favorite pies is creamy, crunchy and patriotic. Make squiggles with the sauces, or use them for a fun design. —Marina Delio, Santa Barbara, California
RecipesSpicy Potatoes with Garlic Aioli This is my take on Spanish patatas bravas. The potatoes are tossed in a flavorful spice mix and then finished to a crispy golden brown. The garlic aioli takes it over the top for an unconventional potato salad that’ll be a hit at any party. —John Stiver, Bowen Island, British Columbia