Holiday baking, anyone?

[Lynzee]

It is cookie baking day at my house. I am looking forward to it, but dreading it at the same time. They never seem to turn out right (either over or under baked) and they never look pretty, like the ones I see in magazines.

Any bakers out there willing to share the secret to "perfect" cookes with someone who needs a cookbook to boil water? :o

[Nikki]

One of the very simplest, yet divinely delicious cookies you could make would be a classic Scottish Shortbread. Maybe I am just a bit biased this year, having just returned from a quick trip to Scotland where I enjoyed these lovely cookies on a daily basis ;)

Flour, sugar, and butter are all you need, and you simply roll the dough out and you can cut it into cute shapes just as you would with sugar or gingerbread cookies. What's nice about shortbread is that it doesn't spread while baking, so it keeps its shape much better. And as long as you cook them until they are slightly golden brown, you can't really screw them up. You could sprinkle them with sugar before baking for a decorative touch, or dip half of the cookie in chocolate after its cooled. Both methods yield a very classy, gourmet-looking cookie :)

[Lynzee]

Those sound yummy, Nikki! And they don't sound too difficult either.

We managed to get a few dozen cookies baked yesterday. The Little Princess had a blast--dancing away to Disney Christmas tunes and plopping dough on cookie sheets. She'd probably love cutting out shapes and decorating them! We will definitely try them!

Thanks! :D

[WannaBHomemaker]

Hi Lynzee! I'm no great cook either but I like trying new recipes. I got this one for butter cookies from a Gooseberry Patch cookbook. I suggest cutting the recipe in half because it makes 7 dozen and unless you have a huge countertop, it is too much to roll out in one sitting! I ended up putting half of it up in the fridge for a day or two before making the rest of them. My other tip is to really make sure the butter and cream cheese is really softened before you mix it in! If you put it in straight from the fridge it is impossible to mix up! I cut out some with cookie cutters and did the rest in round balls slightly flattened with a floured spoon. Either way they tasted great! Everyone at my work loved them! When they were done instead of icing them I just sprinkled powdered sugar on top - very festive looking!

Velvety Butter Cookies

2 c. butter, softened
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 c. sugar
2 egg yolks
1 t. vanilla extract
4-1/2 c. all-purpose flour

Combine all ingredients; mix well. Chill for 2 hours. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thick. Cut out with cookie cutters. Bake on greased baking sheets at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool and ice with your favorite frosting. Makes 7 dozen.

My MIL said a fast way is to roll it out in log form and cut off slices just like you do the cookie dough rolls from the store.

If you try them, let me know how they turn out!

[RoseMary]

I made Lisa's Moon Cookies today, and they are delicious! Thanks for the recipe, Lisa.

Wannabe~the recipe you made sounds great--I'll give it a try.

Nikki, I love shortbread. I used to have a recipe for chocolate shortbread, but guess I've lost it.

[Lisa S]

Rosemary ~ now you're family!

[Lynzee]

Those sound wonderful, WannaB! We will have to try those too. I must have missed the Moon Cookie recipe, Lisa.

I bought some cookie cutters yesterday and we are excited about trying those out. I've learned that cookie baking is just the thing for school holidays. I have yet to hear "I'm bored"! :D

[RoseMary]

Rosemary ~ now you're family!


Thank you, Lisa:D!