If they have no calories, why do I have a stomach ache?

Everybody has a Christmas treat that they love....and that you are allowed to bestow the "calorie free" moniker upon. The rules to this game though:

1. It has to be something you don't get everywhere
2. It can only be made for Christmas.
3. It has to be something you have loved since you could only crawl (no, crawling after downing the bottle of vodka at the xmas party does NOT count).

For me, that calorie free goodie is Cinnamon Jumbo Cookies. My mom has made these forever and they only get made at Christmas. I have many a fond memory of these cookies - including being grounded for calling my Opa a bugger because he wouldn't sneak more for me!

Now, if you have a PNE, Calgary Stampede or other fair type event in your vicinity, you have undoubtedly had cinnamon covered mini-donuts. That what these cookies taste like. Donuty, sugary, cinnamony goodness. You will not stop at one.....hell, I just ate 6. Yes, yes....I hear the rowing machine calling to me (happy to report that 8 pounds I lost with pneumonia has stayed off me!).


Update: I ate 7....on a dare from the neighbor husband that I couldn't get a cookie off the plate with my hands behind my back and my motorcycle helmet on. I did it so I got the cookie :)



Cinnamon Jumbo Cookies - adapted from Mom

1/2 cup butter
2 cups flour
1 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix margarine, sugar and egg thoroughly. Stir in buttermilk and vanilla.Blend together flour, soda and salt. Stir into above mixture.
Chill dough; about 2 hours.

** 1/4 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Mix together.**

Drop rounded teaspoonful of dough 2 inches apart on lightly
greased baking sheet.Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

Bake in 400 º F. oven for 8 to 10 minutes.

Yields: about 4 dozen.