5 Decidedly Adult Beer and Cookie Pairings

If you've never paired beer and cookies, you're in for a true treat. Beer Menus certified cicerone John Federico — a cicerone is a beer expert, much in the way a sommelier is an expert on wine — has offered up five stellar beer and holiday-cookie pairing ideas that are sure to get you in a jolly mood and then some. Keep reading for his tasting notes.

Coconut Macaroons and Oatmeal Stout
Anna Monette Roberts

Coconut Macaroons and Oatmeal Stout

"This smooth, chocolaty oatmeal stout elevates the toasted coconut while mellowing the sweetness of the macaroon — and who doesn't like a little chocolate with her coconut?"

Buy the beer: Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout
Get the recipe: Coconut macaroons

Sugar Cookies and Belgian Golden Ale
Nicole Perry

Sugar Cookies and Belgian Golden Ale

"This excellent Belgian Golden Ale balances the sweetness of the cookies with the fruity, spicy notes of the yeast and hops. The Champagne-like effervescence adds a little decadence to this homey holiday treat."

Buy the beer: La Chouffe Belgian Ale
Get the recipe: Chewy sugar cookies

Pecan Pie Cookies and Stout
Nicole Perry

Pecan Pie Cookies and Stout

"The bourbon barrel aging adds vanilla and toasted caramel flavors to this full-bodied, roasty stout, which melds perfectly with the nutty cookies for a delicious combination."

Buy the beer: Anderson Valley Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout
Get the recipe: Pecan pie cookies

Gingerbread and Barleywine
Anna Monette Roberts

Gingerbread and Barleywine

"Anchor's American take on an English Barleywine should be served at about 55 degrees and savored by the sip. It has enough hops to stand up to the spiciness of the ginger while its maltiness enhances the brown sugar and molasses."

Buy the beer: Anchor Old Foghorn Barleywine
Get the recipe: Gingerbread cookies

Chocolate Ganache Thumbprint Cookies and Belgian Quadruple
Nicole Perry

Chocolate Ganache Thumbprint Cookies and Belgian Quadruple

"Dark, fruity, and malty Belgian quads are perfectly suited to decadent chocolate desserts like ganache-filled cookies, and the higher alcohol tames the richness of the chocolate while keeping you warm and toasty."

Buy the beer: St. Bernardus Abt 12
Get the recipe: Chocolate ganache thumbprint cookies