Sadly, holiday cookies often fall into one of two camps: they either look great and taste awful or look awful and taste great.  Very rarely will you find one that does both.

Given the choice, I'll always default to taste over looks and take the yummy cookie over the cute cookie, but here are two recipes that do both. Firstly, the elegantly ornamental Spiced Gingerbread Cookies and secondly, the decadently dressed Coconut Florentines.

When it comes to looks, the spiced gingerbread cookie is decorative enough to double up as a tree decoration, but best of all, cooking this recipe will fill your kitchen with a festive aroma. The source of this great smell is also the source of their great taste - golden syrup or molasses. Mmmmmm....

Depending on how brave you're feeling, you can get the kids to decorate them although I completely understand why you wouldn't. Just remember – it's all sugar and washes off easily!