As the holiday season kicks into full swing, cookies are a fun hostess gift to bring to the many holiday parties coming up. Try the following cookie recipes that feature wine, but also happen to be nistisima for those fasting or vegan for those who don’t eat animal products in general.

Cookie swaps are a fun way to share the fruits of our baking labor during the holidays. For those who don’t know, a cookie swap is a type of party when friends get together and each person makes enough of one kind of cookie to share at the party. After sampling the cookies, everyone selects their favorites and can take them home packaged in appealing assortments ready to give as gifts or to share for dessert at the Christmas feast. Plus, everyone goes home with new recipes to add to their baking repertoire. Adding a few Greek favorites will undoubtedly be a hit at the next cookie swap.

Koulourakia Methismena (Drunken Cookies)

3 and 1/4 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon Greek sea salt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

3/4 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup sweet red wine, Mavrodaphne

1/4 cup cognac, Metaxa

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, wine, cognac, and the vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Take a scant tablespoon of the dough, roll into strips, and then form circles or other cookie shapes. Place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for about 20 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden brown, rotating the pans about halfway through the baking. Cool completely on wire racks before serving or storing in an airtight container or cookie jar.

Koulourakia me Krasi (Wine Cookies)

3 and 1/2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon Greek sea salt

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup sesame seeds

1 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup Greek dry white wine

Additional sesame seeds, if preferred

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and sesame seeds. Make a well in the center and add the oil and white wine. Stir until just combined. Form one to two-inch cookie shapes, and place on ungreased baking sheets about one inch apart. If desired, roll the cookies in additional sesame seeds before placing on the baking sheets. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden, rotating the pans to ensure even baking. Cool completely on wire racks before serving or storing in an airtight container or cookie jar. If preferred, lightly toast the sesame seeds on a baking sheet in a preheated 350 degree F oven for a few minutes before adding to the flour mixture for a more robust, nutty flavor.