2000
Maida Heatter’s Chocolate Cookies with Gin-Soaked Raisins
Crusty on the outside and gooey in the center, these pack a punch: You won't taste the gin, but you'll feel its effects.
2001
Cranberry Turtle Bars
This recipe has gained a passionate following since it was originally published. Layers of fresh cranberries suspended in a candied-pecan topping sit on a buttery crust and, as if that weren't enough, the whole is streaked with melted chocolate.
2002
Stained-Glass Teardrops
These are more window-like than your usual window cookies; using hard candies for the centers yields a thin, jewel-toned pane that shatters like glass when you bite into it.
2003
Honey Nut Squares
Honey and cream suspend almonds, hazelnuts, and pine nuts in a glossy candied topping on a buttery crust.
2004
Rugelach
Unlike typical rugelach, these are scored before baking and then broken into individual cookies afterwards, for a wonderful variety of textures from top to bottom.
2005
Mini Black-and-White Cookies
The unofficial cookie of New York City is shrunken down to dainty proportions just right for the holiday dessert tray.
2006
Pistachio Cranberry Icebox Cookies
It doesn't get fancier or more Christmassy than these glittery-edged cookies sporting studs of red and green. And all that festivity comes in an easy slice-and-bake package.
2007
Trios
Thumbprint cookies get a modern makeover for the new millennium. These have three different flavors of jam, making a generous offering to the person who likes to sample a little of everything.
2008
Glittering Lemon Sandwich Cookies
If Santa's elves grew citrus trees, these sparkling lemony bites would surely be among the branches.
