We've been hearing from various people in Emmaus Patch all week long about their pick for best Christmas cookie and now it's your turn to weigh in. Cast a vote in our Christmas cookie poll. And, if your top choice didn't make the list, share your favorite holiday cookie with us in the comments.

With the holidays right around the corner, adults and children alike are excited for the warm holiday cookies that go oh-so-well with the chill of the winter season. With so many delicious cookies to choose from, it’s the busiest time of the year for most bakeries. Emmaus Patch talked to some of Emmaus’ local bake shops to find out which holiday cookie is their favorite. Granny Schmidt's Bake Shop Michelle Quier, from Granny Schmidt’s Bake Shop on Chestnut Street, says, “My favorite cookie is the Italian Wedding cookie because my mother used to make them every Christmas. They have a wonderful…

Today’s Christmas cut-out cookies can trace their roots back to Medieval Europe biscuits, some of which included ingredients such as cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, almonds and dried fruit. The earliest Christmas cookies in the United States were brought by the Dutch in the early 17th century. Between 1871 and 1906 cookie cutters became available in American markets due to a change in import laws. The cookie cutters often depicted images with subjects designed to hang on Christmas trees. Although the shapes and designs of the cookie have changed over the years, the cut-out/roll-out Christmas …

By the year 1500, the tradition of the Christmas cookie had spread throughout Europe, and Christmas cookies were made in great amounts in nearly every home. The Dutch immigrants brought the earliest Christmas cookies to America. But what are the favorite cookies in Emmaus Patch? Gary Cavaluzzo, owner of Cavaluzzo’s Pizza, says his favorite Christmas cookie is the cut-out. He sometimes rolls them very thin—thinner than anyone else does, he adds. Then, the cookies are cut out with different shapes of cookie cutters and decorated. Recipes: Rolled Out Butter Cookies (Christmas) By Norma Flexer …

According to historians, cookies evolved from test cakes used to check oven temperature. Small amounts of cake batter were dropped onto pans in order to test the temperature of the oven before cakes were baked. Cookies date back to 7th century Persia, then spreading throughout Europe with conquests and travelers. But what are the favorite cookies in Emmaus Patch? Emmaus Mayor Winfred Iobst said his favorite Christmas cookie is chocolate chip, but it needs lots of chocolate chips. When he delivered milk years ago, he said, he often received gifts of his favorite cookie from his customers. Ruth…

Christmas cookies can be traced to Medieval European recipes, and by the 1500s, were very popular in Europe. The German and Dutch settlers in America introduced cookie cutters, along with some of the first recipes. Sugar cookies, the forerunner to the cut-out, came to America from the English. But, what are the favorite cookies in Emmaus Patch? The Rev. Jerry Smith of Old Zionsville UCC  “enjoys a good cut-out cookie at Christmas.” But, he said, he prefers the designs to have a religious significance, such as crosses, churches, stars, etc.  “I use these cookies in my teachings to the children…