Eddie Jackson from Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge doesn’t let the cookie crumble

Eddie Jackson is the host of Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge. In the midst of the holiday season, Jackson shares his thoughts about holiday cookies.

Eddie Jackson has become a favorite host on the Food Network. After winning Food Network Star, the chef has brought his charismatic presence to several Food Network shows. Currently, Jackson is the host of the holiday baking competition, Christmas Cookie Challenge.

In Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge, bakers look to impress the panel of Food Network judges with cookie artistry, impeccable decorative designs and tasty delights. Many home bakers can only dream of creating these picture perfect holiday cookies.

As host of Christmas Cookie Challenge, Jackson has gained some amazing insight to great holiday cookies. With many home bakers ready to make holiday treats for that cookie exchange or a plate of cookies to leave for Santa, everyone could use some helpful baking hints.

Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Eddie Jackson about the Food Network show, his favorite cookies and some interesting flavor pairings. Even over the phone Jackson’s charisma was very apparent. More importantly, he gave some great advice going into the biggest baking time of the year.

Since many people are baking lots of cookies for the holiday season, I asked Jackson about one of his favorite holiday cookies. He shared that he adores his grandma’s oatmeal raisin cookie. While this cookie might not be the trendiest of cookies, it conveys an important point.

Jackson, like many home bakers, have a food memory associated with baking. Those nostalgic moments in the kitchen with loved ones hold a special place in people’s hearts. While Jackson thinks of his grandma’s cookie, many people can relate to this ideal.

Baking often is associated with family. From a recipe passed down through generations to just quality time in the kitchen, baking, and holiday cookies, can be the foundation for many memories. Even the baking failures can bring about a great laugh, year after year.

Even though Jackson referred to his grandma’s cookie recipe, he has taken inspiration from the bakers on the Christmas Cookie Challenge. For example, he mentioned an episode where one of the bakers used matcha in the cookie recipe.

Host Eddie Jackson with Judges Ree Drummond, Dan Langan, and Aarti Sequeira as they sample Contestant Naomi Robledo’s dish Palmtree with Sunset and Starfish, Lemon Vanilla Sugar Cookie with Lemon Zest Royal Icing, during the judging of the first round, The Decorating Challenge, “A Tropical Christmas”, as seen on Christmas Cookie Challenge, Season 2.

While matcha (green tea) seems to be popping up everywhere, that flavor can be a little overwhelming for home bakers. Jackson recommended that home bakers be willing to experiment with flavors. Since baking ingredients aren’t too expensive, why not play around with flavors and ingredients.

Jackson said to look through the pantry, explore flavors and get in the kitchen. While he wasn’t quite sure of that matcha cookie, he was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. The same can be said for the home baker. No one should be afraid to experiment. The worst thing that can happen is you have to make more cookies after an experiment goes awry.

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Although the holidays are often a time to indulge in all those sweet treats, Eddie Jackson has been vocal about making smart choices in the kitchen. Looking back to his Food Network Star days, there were references to him as the healthy chef.

With that idea in mind, I asked him about healthy cookies. He mentioned that cookies can be better for you by using better ingredients. Incorporating organic or fresh ingredients not only make the cookie taste better but also it makes the cookie better for you.

Additionally, a few substitutes can be made to a cookie recipe to boost the health factor. Adding shredded carrots is an option. While the texture might be slightly different, there are healthy substitute.

Again, the key is to get in the kitchen and experiment. Understanding how ingredients work together and how those taste together can only come from baking. While you might have to do a little longer walk in the morning, taste testing is important.

Lastly, since it is the holidays and some of us (like me) enjoy an adult beverage with our holiday cookies (sorry Santa, I pass on the milk), I asked Jackson if he had a beverage pairing suggestion for holiday cookies. He suggested that bourbon could be a nice pairing. The aromatic spices in a spice cookie could complement the bourbon. Another pairing suggestion was a cognac with some molasses cookies. Personally, I’ve tried both recommendations and I concur with this recommendations.

With the holiday season in full force, the biggest takeaway from my conversation with Eddie Jackson was an important one. It is time to get in the kitchen and start baking. The best holiday cookie didn’t magically appear on a holiday plate. It came from experimenting with a recipe. Grandma’s best oatmeal raisin cookie became a perfected recipe because it has been refined over the years.

Equally important, that time in the kitchen is something to be grateful for this holiday season. Whether sharing a memory from the past or creating a new tradition, those holiday cookies might become more than just another sweet treat.

Christmas Cookie Challenge airs on the Food Network Monday nights at 10 p.m. ET. The Season finale airs on Monday, December 17.

I would like to thank Eddie Jackson for taking the time to chat with me.