They're perfect for the holidays because they can be made in large batches and easily transported. Cookies also have a long shelf life when stored in an airtight container. And the variations are endless.
Cookies also are good desserts to make with children.
Aside from being a cleaner way to cook, parchment paper also transfers heat well without sticking or catching fire. When creaming butter or mixing batter in a mixer, stop occasionally and scrape the sides of the work bowl with a plastic spatula. This process removes large lumps that cling to the sides. When grinding nuts in a food processor, always add 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar per pound of nuts. Adding confectioners' sugar minimizes the seepage of oil from the nuts, which can make batters heavy.