The world of puzzles and cookies converges delightfully this holiday season as The New York Times prepares its readers for two special events: Puzzle Mania and Cookie Week. Set to bring joy and provoke excitement, these annual traditions captivate both avid puzzle solvers and baking enthusiasts alike.
At the heart of Puzzle Mania is the Super Mega Crossword, which has become synonymous with challenge and fun since its inception. Deb Amlen, one of the notable figures behind the crossword column, describes the Super Mega as not just any crossword puzzle. It’s a colossal 50x50 grid and far larger than the typical daily or Sunday crossword. This year's endeavor features around 700 clues, all of which must connect to form not just any crossword but one that's entertaining and engaging.
This massive undertaking isn't just for fun. It requires painstaking teamwork and remarkable patience. According to Amlen, constructing such a grid entails breaking it down section by section since the software often struggles to handle the size all at once. She emphasizes the exhilarating challenge constructors face: creating entries without repetition, which can be unpredictable and tricky.
Puzzle Mania officially kicked off as part of the New York Times Magazine—a 12-page section celebrating the joy of puzzles each year since 2016. The brainchild of Jake Silverstein, Caitlin Roper, and Will Shortz, this unique feature reflects The Times’ dedication to blending traditional print with modern digital features. Roper, who contributed significantly to the section’s aesthetic, envisioned creating something visually delightful for the audience, and her vision has undoubtedly paid off.
Meanwhile, Cookie Week adds its own festive thrill with sumptuous recipes and tantalizing visuals. This year's offerings include seven different types of cookies, each infused with unique flavors to appeal to holiday tastes. Vaughn Vreeland highlights these cookies, presenting them as not only visually pleasing but also deliciously satisfying: “Sweet but not cloying, tender but not without bite, cookies are the holidays' greatest gift,” says Vreeland.
Among the standout recipes, there's one for Iced Peppermint Cookies baked by culinary expert Melissa Clark. These treats are innovative with dual peppermint flavors and delightful textures, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. Clark expresses her love for shortbread, calling it the ideal base for cookies because they’re easy to make and adaptable. She emphasizes the importance of good-quality ingredients, saying, “If you can get really, really good, high fat butter, it’s just going to make your cookies taste even more amazing.”
Another interesting proposal this year are Bûche de Noël Cookies, crafted by Claire Saffitz. Taking inspiration from the classic French Yule log cake, Saffitz’s cookies promise the same festive charm but without the labor-intensive process. With the freshness of cacao nibs and coarse sugar, these cookies stand out, bringing the beauty of traditional holiday treats to easier-to-share cookie form.
What’s more enchanting about Cookie Week is not just the cookie recipes but the accompanying videos demonstrating how to bring these confections to life. Vreeland notes the significance of these resources, which allow readers and aspiring bakers to engage with the dishes actively. Each video showcases the step-by-step process of cookie-making, embracing the spirit of sharing and festive cheer.
Even the cookie decorating becomes fun and interactive: Clark encourages bakers to explore their creativity with different icing colors and designs, showcasing how baking can be both delicious and artistic. “When I was developing these recipes,” she recalls, “I tried many ways—adding crushed candy canes, or creating marbled icing. It all adds to the fun.”
The intersection of cookies and crosswords symbolizes the essence of the holiday spirit, bringing people together through engaging activities and heartwarming traditions. Puzzle lovers can immerse themselves in the challenging realms of crosswords, and baking enthusiasts get to indulge their sweet tooth creatively.
With both events approaching, participants are reminded of the spirit of culinary joy and the joy of mental challenges during the holidays. It’s the perfect time to gather friends and family, catch up over cookies, and maybe tackle the Super Mega Crossword together. So get ready, gather your ingredients, sharpen your pencils, and embrace the good vibes and holiday spirit with these festivities!
