McCormick and Christina Tosi partner on the ultimate holiday cookie recipe

Even before the Christmas décor fills the house, the stand mixer starts to hum and the oven fills the kitchen with warmth. A new holiday cookie recipe, from McCormick and Christina Tosi, is going to be the hit of the season. Hungry for a new holiday food tradition?

McCormick and Christina Tosi are synonymous with baking. While the celebrated chef has delighted Milk Bar fans with over the top creations and nods to nostalgic flavors, her recipes are often rooted in familiar ingredients. McCormick, and its food offerings, are part of that connection.

This year, the pair partnered to celebrate the classic cookie exchange. While some people might try to sneak some store bought offerings into the mix, the reality is that a home baked cookie will always be the true holiday treat. It might not be a perfect circle or have the most beautiful décor. But, the special ingredient, love, will always trump that store bought option.

Speaking about this special collaboration, Giovanna DiLegge, Vice President Marketing, NA Consumer at McCormick said, “McCormick has long been at the heart of holiday meals and traditions, creating sensorial experiences that bring people together and leave lasting memories. To continue to create special moments, we’re evoking the tastes and smells of holiday baking and putting a modern spin on the timeless cookie exchange. McCormick Cookie Quest will allow people across the country to share the joy of baking, and we can’t wait to see what everyone mixes up.

The McCormick Cookie Quest invites everyone to share their favorite cookie recipe via social media. More information on how to participate can be found at www.McCormick.com/Cookie-Quest.

To inspire home bakers to whip up their most creative, delicious holiday cookie recipe, Christina Tosi shared a sweet, festive treat that delights everyone. Milk Bar x McCormick Candy Cane Pretzel Bark Cookie, which will be available at select Milk Bar locations on December 4, National Cookie Day, is a perfect treat that epitomizes holiday flavors.

This holiday cookie captures what Tosi does best. It is fun, festive, and a touch nostalgic. Plus, the cookie showcases the flavors that McCormick does so well. The delicate brightness from the peppermint extract and the sweetness from the signature vanilla bring all the holiday feels.

Here’s how to make Milk Bar x McCormick Candy Cane Pretzel Bark Cookies

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Makes 18 cookies

Ingredients:

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract

1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups white chocolate chips

1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons McCormick Candy Cane Sugar, divided

1 1/2 cups mini pretzels

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray two half sheet pans with no stick cooking spray or line with parchment or silicone baking mats. Mix butter and sugars in large bowl with heavy spatula for about 2 minutes until well blended. Add egg and extracts, stirring until combined and fluffy, about 1 minute.

2. Mix flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda in medium bowl. Add dry ingredients to butter and sugar mixture, stirring just until combined. Stir in white chocolate chips, 3 tablespoons of the Candy Cane Sugar and mini pretzels, mixing until evenly blended.

3. Place remaining 1/4 cup Candy Cane Sugar in medium bowl. Use a 1/3-cup measuring cup or 2 3/4-ounce cookie scoop to portion dough into balls. Toss dough balls in Candy Cane Sugar to coat and place 2 to 3 inches apart on prepared baking pans.

4. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are golden brown. Cool cookies completely on pans before serving.

Tip: Can’t get your hands on McCormick Candy Cane Sugar? Increase McCormick Peppermint Extract to 1 1/2 teaspoons, stir in 2 tablespoons of red colored sugar along with the chocolate chips, then use 1/4 cup red colored sugar to roll cookies before baking.

It is time to head to the kitchen, knead some dough, and enjoy all the deliciousness that the holiday season has to offer. What will you bring to the McCormick Holiday Cookie Exchange?