Damn it's cold! It's time for layers of scarves, sweaters and coats and perhaps a dash of the long johns under the jeans for good measure. Actually, the double layering is a nifty idea. Who cares if you resemble the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man; holiday pounds could be hidden.

It is the cookie season.

If you're anything like me, reveling in holiday cookie parties doesn't necessarily mean I want to slave away in the kitchen. Baking requires a different finesse than what I am endowed with. Rather than show up to the sweets shindig empty handed, or worse even, hands full of hideous mounds I pass off as "cookies," I hire a bakery. Below are a few of my favorite bakeries.

Nestled on the edge of Tacoma's Stadium and Triangle districts, Corina Bakery is famous for its gluten-free baked goodies - from wedding cakes to a pumpkin loaf. But, Corina knows cookies, and they're amazing. You may pre-order holiday shortbread cookies ($1-1.95) in various shapes and sizes, or if you really want to wow the kiddies. With a couple of days notice Corina can bake personalized gingerbread men ($7.99) adorned with happy little smiles and that special someone's name. 602 S. Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.5070

Affairs Cafe and Desserts in University Place is a homey, decadent and warm spot for nibbling and chatting. Perhaps best known for its housemade truffles and chocolates, Affairs plays home to an impressive assortment of cookies. For the holidays it has colorful sprinkled sugar cookies resembling stars, wreaths and reindeers and powered sugar sprinkled chocolate cookies -as well as its normal fabulous flavors such as snicker doodle and coconut macaroon (all $1.40 each). If the gingerbread men are up your alley, you'll find Affairs version highly satisfying, as they are the size of your noggin. 2811 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, 253.565.8604

Hess Bakery & Deli is a slice of Germany. It's a big slice of strudels, rolls, crumb cakes, jagerwurst and Bavarian loafs. Simply open its doors and enter Germany. Though many go to dine on the cuisine, Hess Bakery & Deli is the bee's knees when it comes to baked goods. There's quite the selection of simple but delicious cookies wrapped and ready to go by the dozens from macaroons to butter cookies. 6108 Mount Tacoma Dr., Lakewood, 253.588.5777

Julie's Gluten-Free Bakery in Puyallup has won the hearts of folks with dietary needs. All baked goods can be vegan or gluten-free including its holiday cookie batches. Whether you're hankering for simple sugar cookies for family decorating fun ($1) or prefer to have them beautified and iced ($1.50) on site, Julie's will oblige with shapes like snowmen hats, stars and little people. 16126 Meridian E., Puyallup,  #101 253.840.4080

San Francisco Street Bakery, hidden in a neighborhood just east of downtown Olympia, is a unique beast. It's one of few bakeries sporting an outdoor patio fit for tropical cocktail consumption - truly awesome - yet it excels in divine baked goods. SFSB plays home to loads of wholesome comfort food such as fresh baked breads, pastries and of course cookies. You can preorder batches of some of its classics such as chocolate chips, snicker doodles and chocolate macaroons, or opt for their simple shortbread holiday cookies shaped like Christmas trees and Candy Canes. 1320 San Francisco Ave. NE, Olympia, 360.753.8553

Forget all that slaving over a hot stove covered in flour from head to toe. Call upon your inner Cookie Monster and pick up some sweet, crumbly nibbles. Your Grannie doesn't have to know.