Psst- this post is in a series where I share my family’s tradition of baking seven different cookies every Christmastime. To save time and money, each cookie in this series is based on this basic vanilla cookie dough recipe.

Citrus isn’t a really traditional choice for Christmas fare, but I couldn’t resist something a little fruity, festive and bright to counterpoint all that sweet chocolate-y stuff we get around this time of year. One friend said this brought back memories of the pineapple-baked ham her mom served at Christmastime. Another told me this cookie was like spending Christmas on the beach. It may be an unusual choice for a Christmas cookie platter, but trust me- you’ll be gobbling them up just like my friends did.

Tropical Triangles (yields 10 dozen)

2 tbsp grated lemon zest

1/3 c. finely chopped dried pineapple

1/3 c. finely chopped dried papaya

one batch of this vanilla cookie dough (include the baking powder this time!)

Prepare the vanilla cookie dough by following the instructions here. Incorporate lemon zest into dough until fully integrated; follow suit with the papaya and pineapple.  Divide dough into two logs, about 10 inches each long each. Use the palm of your hand or a rolling pin to flatten each long into a rectangle about 1-1/2 inches high. Wrap each rectangle in plastic wrap and refrigerate on a flat surface (like a cookie sheet) until very firm, approximately two hours.

Once dough is set, remove from fridge and unwrap from plastic wrap. Using a clean, sharp knife, slice your log into wedges, approximately 1-inch thick. Place on a cookie sheet approximately 1/2-inch apart. Bake in an oven preheated to 350F on a parchment-lined cookie sheet until firm, approximately 12-14 minutes.

I’m counting down Christmas by sharing some of my favourite holiday cookie recipes with you! I’ll be posting a different Christmas cookie recipe every day for the next seven days so you can follow along in my family’s baking tradition, and have more cookies to add to your Christmas baking arsenal! For more inspiration, you can check out more of my baking here. For even more recipe inspiration check out my Pinterest full of food eye candy that will have you licking your computer. Promise.