JOY AT MOONGLOW is the eighth book in the Moonglow Christmas series by Deborah Garner. Each year her Christmas novella ushers in the beginning of the holiday season, and I wait, with great anticipation, for the opportunity to snuggle in to read the new release. Not only does each book imbue the spirit of the season but it leaves me with a feeling of peacefulness thanks to the gentle, almost magical, character of the protagonist, Mist. With the charming setting of the Timberton Hotel in Montana, the strong descriptive voice of the author brings the story to life. I felt like I was there, enjoying the scrumptious dishes, the roaring fire, and yuletide carols while spending time with friends, both new and old. While this can easily be read as a standalone, it’s been a joy to watch the characters grow and experience change over the course of the series. This newest book also brings the delight of a long-awaited wedding set on Christmas Eve. The joy of the holiday season and the nuptials exhibited on the pages brought great pleasure in the reading and I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this sweet series! Joy at Moonglow is the perfect short holiday read to cozy up beneath a comforting quilt, sipping on eggnog or hot cocoa, and immerse yourself for a couple of hours in pure Christmas bliss!
One of the Christmas traditions at the Timberton Hotel is the annual cookie exchange for townsfolk and guests alike. Each year Ms. Garner invites readers to submit their favorite cookie recipe to include in the book, and each year I look forward to providing one of my own cookie recipes for the cookie exchange recipe section. This year I created Christmas Hugs & Kisses Cookies for Joy at Moonglow and I’m happy to share the recipe with you today. Chocolate cookies, with a hint of peppermint, are rolled in colorful holiday jimmies and sprinkles before baking. Upon taking them out of the oven, a Hershey’s Hug or Kiss is nestled into the center for an extra bite of chocolate. These festive and delicious cookies will make Santa linger hearthside to finish the plate of these yummy cookies!
Amazon Synopsis
Each holiday season is unique in the small Montana town of Timberton. New and returning guests bring their dreams, cares, and worries, and always leave with lighter hearts and renewed hope for the future. But no season has ever been as special as this one. Because, to everyone’s delight, wedding bells will be ringing.
With a community basket project occupying much of the time, it’s a wonder the traditional Christmas Eve dinner, Betty’s annual cookie exchange, and a winter wedding can all take place. But there’s always a touch of holiday magic floating around Timberton, much due to resident artist and chef, Mist. Thanks to the heartfelt efforts of many and no shortage of sweet romance, this year will be the most joyful of all.
A special thanks to Deborah Garner for providing a print copy of JOY AT MOONGLOW! Contest ends December 11, 2022 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3/4 cup holiday-themed nonpareils and jimmies (use a mixture)
- 24 Hershey's Hugs or Kisses candies, unwrapped (or a combination of the two)
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
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Using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy.
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Add in the sugar and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and the peppermint extract until thoroughly combined.
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Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
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Place the sprinkles in a shallow dish. Shape the dough into balls about the size of a small walnut and roll in the sprinkles. Place on baking sheet at least 2 inches apart.
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Bake cookies, one sheet at a time, for 10 - 11 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and lightly press a Hugs or Kiss candy into the center of each cookie while they are warm.
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Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes then remove to a wire rack to cool before eating.
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Allow Hugs and/or Kisses to firm up before storing in an airtight container for up to one week.
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Use different colored sprinkles for other holidays and special occasions.
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I have never attended a Christmas wedding!
I have never attended a Christmas Eve / Christmas wedding.
How very festive these cookies look. I will be making cookies this week, and will gladly try these. The ingredients tell me it will be a hit with the grandchildren as well as the grandparents 🙂 I had not been aware of Deborah Garner’s Moonglow books. Thank you for bringing these joyful books to my attention. Merry Christmas to everyone for spreading joy and cheer via books and recipes!!!!!
I have never attended a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day wedding. I did attend my cousin’s wedding, which was at the beginning of December at a beautiful historic inn…and all of the Christmas decorations were on full display! It was beautiful! The ceremony was in the early evening in front of a fireplace flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows, and there was a light snowfall…it was magical!
Sounds like it would be a beautiful time and place for a wedding
No I have not attended a Christmas wedding.
Yes I have attended several Christmas Eve & Christmas Day weddings, none decorated with Christmas themes. Yummy on the cookies & thanks for the recipe! I do love Deborah’s Moonglow series.
Nope never attended a christmas eve or christmas day wedding.
No. I have never attended a Christmas Eve / Christmas wedding.
No, I have never attended a Christmas Eve / Christmas wedding.
I have never attended a Christmas Eve / Christmas wedding.
I have not attended a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day wedding . I think it would be magical though.
I’ve never attended a Christmas wedding.
Nope
I don’t remember going to one, but I have a nagging feeling that i may have and just don’t remember.
Although I’ve never attended one, I think it sounds so romantic. Snow and a glistening white church would make the perfect setting for loved one to take their vows I think. Makes me think of the old animated children’s show we waited every year to see where Santa married his future Mrs. Claus on Christmas Eve in the snow out by a big tree the critters had decorated. It was lovely, peaceful and just a fabulous way to start a new life together.
Attended one the week before 9nce, but never on either of the bog days!
Have never attended a Christmas wedding.
Have met several people who were married
on New Year’s Eve. the candy looks
delicious. Have to try it. thanks
no i have never been to a christmas or christmas eve wedding.
I’ve never attended a Christmas wedding.
I have never attended a wedding around Christmas.
No. I have never been to a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day wedding.
I have never attended a Christmas or Christmas Eve wedding.
I have attended a December wedding and it was decorated with poinsettias, evergreen etc.
no
No, never have attended a Christmas wedding.
I have never attended a Christmas wedding. These cookies look delicious!
I’ve never attended a Christmas wedding. I bet it would be beautiful!!! Your book cover is amazing and Thank you for the wonderful recipe too . Thank you for your wonderful giveaway!!
No, I’ve never attended a Christmas Eve/Christmas Day wedding which is kind of funny since I’ve been a bridesmaid over 15 times. I can only imagine how beautiful a wedding at that time of year would especially if there is falling snow outside and tons of candles burning inside. Maybe I should think about being a wedding planner. LOL! Thank you for both the giveaway and fantastic recipe. I bake a ton with my mom around Christmas and I want to give this one a try. Happy Holidays!
I have never attended a Christmas Eve wedding, although my mother married her first husband on Christmas Eve.
I would love to read this book!
I have never attended a Christmas Eve/Christmas Wedding. I bet it would be beautiful. Thank you for the chance. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
I’ve never attended a Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Wedding. I thing it would be a fun thing to attens. Thanks for your great generosity.. fun thing.
No Christmas weddings in my world, but would love to read the book! Sounds like a perfect Christmas craziness escape.
Thanks.
adore the wonderfully festive decorative colors all the platter of cookies are🎉
This really hightens the excitement and experience of the Holidays.
I think a wedding could be interesting the themes could be very Dr Zhivago to spiritual or candy canes .
This is the 8th Moon glow Book📚 🎉CONGRATULATIONS I am looking
Forward to them.
Thanks for the Cookie recipe and the chance to win.
Never been to a wedding on neither Christmas Day nor Eve actually.
I have never been to a Christmas wedding
I have never attended a Christmas wedding
I have never attended a Christmas or Christmas Eve wedding.
I have never attended a Christmas or Christmas Eve wedding. I can imagine how beautiful one would be!
No, I never have. Wouldn’t it be pretty though?
I have attended a Christmas wedding. One of my friends got married December 23. She wore a white velvet gown and carried red pointsettias. The groom and groomsmen wore black tux with a small red flower buttoneer. The church was decorated with red pointsettias and white lillies. it was really beautiful. they are still married over 45 years!
No I have not. It would be fun to!
I’ve never attended a Christmas wedding but I imagine it would be magical.
I have not attended a Christmas wedding