This past week was a rainy, gray one in Seattle and I had a little time to sneak away and do some holiday baking. I find the afternoons are the best time for me to tackle a recipe—mornings are often busy with writing tasks and evenings are filled with social obligations. And on those afternoons, it's nice to take it slow and enjoy a warm, festive beverage while baking. You often read about wine and food pairings, but what about cookie and warm beverage pairings?

Milk gets a lot of play when it comes to cookies. The two are a traditional, well-known marriage. And of course, hot chocolate is a common treat with a sugar cookie in the evening. But what about a hot toddy or hot buttered rum? How about a mulled bourbon cider or a non-alcoholic vanilla cider? Below I've listed a few of my favorite warm-you-up beverages for this time of year, ideas that would likely pair well with any cookie on your to-bake list this season.

Five Cookie-Worthy Beverages:
• Mulled Bourbon Cider - The Year in Food
• Hazelnut Hot Chocolate with Minted Whipped Cream - Turntable Kitchen
• Sweet Tea Hot Toddy - A Beautiful Mess
• Hot Buttered Rum and Cider - Joy the Baker
• Warm Vanilla Cider - Martha Stewart

Related: Warm You Up! Vanilla Cider and Spiced Chocolate Cookies

(Images: Martha Stewart)