
Victoria Albrecht
If you’ve attended any of our magazine’s events this past year, you’ve likely encountered the impeccable handiwork of our events planner, Victoria Albrecht. From stunning table settings to unforgettable photo booths, Victoria’s touch transforms gatherings into something magical. But her talents extend beyond the office — she’s also a culinary dynamo, spoiling our team with her homemade delicacies. From stuffed shells to pastries and, of course, cookies, her creations are legendary. So this holiday season, we’re thrilled to share five of Victoria’s favorite cookie recipes, each with roots in her East Coast upbringing. Gather your ingredients and get ready to bake your way into holiday bliss.
Editor's Note: (We have all tried and approve of these cookie recipes.)
1. Fiore/Thomas Family Rainbow Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:
1 tube of almond paste
¾ cup butter
¾ cup sugar
½ teaspoon almond extract
3 large eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
15 drops red food coloring
15 drops green food coloring
¼ cup raspberry seedless preserves
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate
1 teaspoon vegetable shortening
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 8-inch baking pans, line with wax paper, then grease and flour the paper.
Beat almond paste, butter, sugar, and almond extract in a large bowl until blended. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in flour and salt.
Divide batter into three bowls. Tint one bowl red, one green, and leave one plain.
Spread each batter into a prepared pan and bake 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through. Cool completely.
Layer with raspberry preserves: green layer, plain layer, then red layer. Melt chocolate with shortening, spread over the top, and chill before slicing.
2. Sicilian Pignolata (Honey Balls)

Ingredients:
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tbsp granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt
4 large eggs
3 tbsp peanut oil
1 tbsp milk
Vegetable oil for frying
1 cup honey
Colored sprinkles
Instructions:
Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Create a well, add eggs, peanut oil, and milk, and mix until dough forms. Knead until smooth; rest for 30 minutes.
Roll dough into thin ropes, cut into 1 cm pieces, and roll into balls if desired.
Fry in hot oil until golden, then drain on paper towels.
Heat honey in a saucepan, toss pignolata to coat, and mound on a platter. Sprinkle with candies.
3. Grandma’s Christmas Wreaths

Ingredients:
1 stick unsalted butter
1 box Kellogg’s Corn Flakes
12 oz bag large marshmallows
Green food coloring
Red hots candy
Instructions:
Lay out wax paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add marshmallows. Stir until smooth and tint green.
Mix in Corn Flakes gently until fully coated.
Quickly shape spoonfuls into wreaths or mounds and decorate with red hots. Let set overnight or refrigerate.
4. Black and White Cookies

Ingredients:
Cookies:
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
¼ cup sour cream
2 cups flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
Frosting:
3 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tbsp milk
2 tbsp corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla
½ tsp salt
3 tbsp cocoa powder
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix cookie dough ingredients, scoop onto a lined baking sheet, and bake 13 minutes. Cool completely.
Make frosting by combining powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt. Divide in half, and mix cocoa into one half for chocolate frosting.
Frost cookies flat side up: vanilla on one half, chocolate on the other. Chill to set.
5. Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
1 overripe banana (mashed, ⅓ cup)
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ cup brown sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
¾ cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix banana, oil, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Scoop dough onto a baking sheet and bake 11 minutes. Let cool slightly before devouring.
This holiday season, let Victoria’s East Coast-inspired recipes bring a little magic to your kitchen. Whether you’re craving nostalgia, sweetness, or the thrill of something new, there’s a cookie here to make your season brighter. Happy baking!