Each year, I gaze at all the beautifully decorated Christmas cookies on Pinterest and Instagram, and also the fabulous cookies made by people I know (Check out Sweet C’s Kitchen and Leland Custom Cookie Creations). Each year I think “I can do that!” Then I try it, with little, to absolutely no success and get frustrated and disappointed.

I can never get the royal icing the correct texture and I have a shaky hand, so getting small and consistent piping is just never going to happen for me.

So, this year I’m copping out and going the full easy-way-out. With store-bought Pillsbury sugar cookie mix dropped by the teaspoon on the cookie sheet, squeeze tube frosting spread by a tiny offset spatula on each cookie, and a smattering of Christmas sprinkles. Behold, I give unto you…Christmas cookies!

That’s right. They aren’t gift-worthy, but sure taste yummy and they make a lovely accompaniment to a pot of Double Spice Chai in my Winterberry teapot and teacups.

I may have thrown in the towel with cutout and decorate cookies, but I’m also giving some peppermint shortbread cookies and a Christmas Trifle a shot this year. Stay tuned!