November 1st is a bit early to start thinking of the holiday season, but I find I get so busy that the next two months just fly by. So I want to pull recipes and buy supplies now, so when I get a free minute, or a last minute party invite I am ready to bake and go!

The first of my favorite gifting cookie recipes is what I call Soldier Cookies.

Soldier Cookies are a type of soft cookie similar to a basic chocolate chip without the chocolate. The moistness in them is provided by canned pineapple. In my family they were a favorite with the many members of the family that served overseas in various wars. Family diaries and letters prove they were sent in every war from World War One to Vietnam. Hence my nickname for them.

I have my father’s letters from his time serving as a medic in Germany during the Korean War and he documented them arriving “still soft, with only a few crumbs”, and in much better condition than chocolate chip ones sent to his platoon mates. My own trials with sending them to a soldier pen pal in Iraq proved they could handle hot climates as well as European ones.

Soldier Cookies (aka Pineapple Cookies)
1/2c Crisco
1/2c brown sugar
1/2c white sugar
1 egg
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
2c flour
1/2t salt
1t baking powder
1/4t baking soda
1t vanilla
1/2c chopped nuts

Mix pineapple, Crisco, both sugars and egg. Beat well. Mix all dry ingredients then add nuts and vanilla. Mix into pineapple mixture. Drop on greased cookie sheets. Bake in 375 degree oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until brown.
Allow to cool completely before wrapping. Airtight cookie tins, completely filled, are best for shipping.

Photo by Jennifer Sternfeld