The sweetest part of the holiday season undoubtedly lies in the cookies. It could be a cherished family recipe passed down through generations or a freshly concocted tradition. Just a single bite has the power to transport us back to a treasure trove of memories. As the holidays approach, our anchors and co-hosts - Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Carson Daly - came together for a classic cookie swap. Let's raise a toast to the holidays and these delicious treats!

Savor the Memories with Holiday Cookies

Savannah Guthrie's Stained Glass Sugar Cookies

Savannah brought her unique stained glass sugar cookies to the table. She shared the fascinating process of creating this colorful window effect. You start by breaking up hard fruit candy, such as Lifesavers or Jolly Ranchers, in a zip-top bag using a mallet. Then, cut a smaller shape in any sugar cookie recipe or use store-bought ones. Fill the smaller cutout with the candy pieces and bake at 325°F for 12 to 14 minutes. This results in a truly enchanting treat that adds a touch of magic to the holiday season.Another aspect of Savannah's cookies is the attention to detail. She takes pride in making each one perfect, ensuring that the colors blend seamlessly and the design is just right. These cookies become a centerpiece at any holiday gathering, bringing joy and wonder to everyone who lays eyes on them.

Carson Daly's Snowball Cookies

Carson's late mother Pattie was the epitome of Christmas, and she would always make snowball cookies. Carson explained that it's basically a combination of butter, flour, and confectioners' sugar. She would take a brown paper bag, put the powdered sugar in it, and shake them up. To Carson, the sound, smell, and sight of this process are all intertwined with the essence of Christmas.These snowball cookies hold a special place in Carson's heart as they have been a constant through the tumultuous times of his life. Even as the world changes around him, these cookies remain the same, taking him back five decades to a simpler time. They are a symbol of family and tradition, passed down from one generation to the next.

Hoda Kotb's Oreo Reindeer Truffles

Hoda's Oreo reindeer truffles have become a new Christmas tradition for her girls. She showed us how to make them by taking an Oreo, mashing it up with some cream cheese to form a ball, and then dipping it into chocolate. This no-bake process is a hit with her kids, who love to get involved and create these adorable reindeer treats.The Oreo reindeer truffles add a fun and festive element to the holiday baking. They are not only delicious but also a great way to involve the whole family in the holiday spirit. Hoda's girls look forward to making these truffles every year, and they have become a cherished part of their Christmas memories.

Al Roker's Family Sugar Cookies

Al's family used to make sugar cookies from scratch. They would set out the frosting and let the children decorate, creating a colorful and creative display. However, now that the kids are all grown up and out of the house, they have started making "slice and bake" cookies.Al shared a humorous anecdote about decorating sugar cookies with his kids, saying that it often looked like a crime scene. But according to him, that's the way it's supposed to be - a messy and fun experience that brings the family together. These cookies still hold a special place in Al's heart, reminding him of the happy times spent with his children.

Craig Melvin's Christmas Wreath Cookies

When Craig was growing up, his family made classic sugar cookies as well. But after marrying his wife Lindsay Czarniak, they started making these unique Christmas wreath cookies. They used cereal to imitate the texture of the greenery, adding a creative twist to the traditional sugar cookie.Craig emphasized that every holiday is a major celebration in their house. His wife's grandfather's wreath, which is at least 80 years old, is a highlight of their holiday decorations. These Christmas wreath cookies add to the festive atmosphere and become a part of their holiday traditions.In conclusion, the cookie swap brought together these talented anchors and co-hosts, each with their own special cookie traditions. These cookies not only satisfy our taste buds but also bring back memories and create new ones. Merry cookie-swapping!