Marie Witscher commences the process of rolling chilled cookie dough on a lightly floured pastry mat just after daybreak.
The meticulous endeavor of baking, decorating, and packaging thousands of Christmas cookies, a tradition upheld by Witscher and her daughters annually, spans several days.
At the age of 99, Witscher no longer personally fills the caramel chocolate treasures, drizzles chocolate over the delicate confections, or meticulously frosts the almond bonbons due to visual impairments. Even the task of perfecting the sprinkle arrangements has become too arduous. Nevertheless, she collaborates with her daughters to sustain a tradition spanning over 60 years: crafting nearly two dozen varieties of the most aesthetically pleasing and delectable Christmas cookies.
Collectively, they produce over 2,000 cookies destined for nearly 50 eager recipients, including friends awaiting the cherished yearly delivery and their own families.
Although Witscher initiated the assembly line-style baking system in her St. Louis home, the operation has transitioned to her daughter Ellen Trovillion’s residence in recent years. The extensive project overtakes the entire kitchen and dining area for almost a week.
Describing the endeavor as a “labor of love,” Witscher expressed the immense joy derived from the process.
Trovillion emphasized the stringent criteria employed to select the cookie recipes each year, distinguishing between everyday cookies like chocolate chip and the exclusive Christmas cookie repertoire.
The chosen recipes must excel in taste, presentation, and complementarity within the overall assortment. Throughout the year, they scout for recipes and maintain a collection of tried-and-tested ones. The chocolate category features delights such as chocolate raspberry crumb bars, chewy chocolate espresso cookies (partially dipped in white chocolate), and chocolate cherry cookies. Fruity options include apricot Linzers, spumoni sticks, and orange dream star cookies. Additionally, a selection of exceptional cookies, like the pistachio “melting moment” sandwiches with raspberry buttercream, is curated.
The commitment to crafting everything from scratch is unwavering.
The tradition of baking cookies has been passed down through generations, with Witscher instilling the same values in her daughters, who joined her in baking for holiday gatherings during their high school years. Prior to her husband’s passing, Witscher ensured a generous platter of cookies was sent to the teachers at his school, where she herself had been a teacher for four decades. Her daughter Kathleen Armstrong also pursued a career in education.
A cherished recipe, the pecan dreams, penned in Witscher’s mother’s handwriting, is a perennial favorite among the array of cookies.
Witscher finds great joy in the act of distributing cookies as a means of spreading seasonal cheer.
Trovillion recounted the annual routine of rising early and working late into the night during the baking marathon, a practice that has evolved as Witscher now takes breaks between batches and retires to her own bed at night.
Despite the physical demands, the bonding and camaraderie shared during the baking sessions are cherished moments for the family.
The joy extends beyond the act of baking, as witnessing the recipients’ reactions upon delivery brings immense gratification. From friends in retirement homes to family members savoring the treats, the impact of the Christmas cookies is profound.
The evolving list of recipients occasionally stirs anxiety, with some individuals expressing concern if they are omitted from the distribution. Meanwhile, the allure of being included on the coveted list prompts inquiries from those eager to partake in the tradition.