Celebrating Holiday Cookies with Dan Pelosi

‘Tis the season to bake as many cookies as you can!

We kick off the show by unveiling King Arthur’s 2025 holiday cookie lineup before being joined by Dan Pelosi, a baker known for his annual holiday cookie party. He chats with Jessica about the keys to successfully throwing a cookie party, including his holiday cookie philosophy, then David and Jessica answer your burning baking questions with their advice for avoiding cakey cookies and making cutout cookies that actually keep their shape. In this week’s Jess-opinion, Jessica gives her thoughts on the controversial inclusion of chocolate chip cookies in the holiday cookie landscape, and we close the show with the best cookies she and David are baking this season.

Introducing our 2025 holiday cookie platter

Find our list of all the classic holiday and Christmas cookies you should bake

Level up your cookies with our scoop set

Learn more about Dan and his recent cookbook, Let’s Party, on his website

Blog: Why you should always bake a few test cookies

Find our Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies recipe

We like decorating with this Simple Cookie Glaze

What David’s baking this week: Rugelach and Piped Vanilla Shortbread Cookies

What Jessica’s baking this week: Whipped Lemon Shortbread

Record your question for our Ask the Bakers segment here!

This episode is sponsored by Plugra. Learn more about their premium European-style butter at plugra.com.