We are introduced, at an early age, to the sweet wondernous of a cookie. From teething cookies to soothe the swollen aching gums of incoming incisors, onto animal crackers purchased in rectangular-shaped boxes bearing a string handle for easy toting by little fingers. Deciding which part of the animal should be eaten first-the trunk of the elephant or the tail of a lion-depended on how hungry one was. Savor each and every one or simply gobble them down as fast as possible.

My next cookie memory would be the ever famous, possibly all-time favorite, the chocolate chip cookie. There is nothing better than to bite into a round circle of baked dough sprinkled with gooey melt-in-your-mouth chocolate. A chocolate chip cookie can dry tears, heal broken hearts, mend scraped knees and elbows and solve sibling arguments. Most of the problems in the world could likely be solved by a properly baked, right out of the oven, chocolate chip cookie. The power of a cookie is underestimated.

I will attempt in the next 365 days to prepare and comment on a year’s worth of different cookies-one for each day. My goal is to share with others my extreme love of cookies-baking them and especially eating them! Feel free to send me your favorite recipe, your earliest cookie memories, or how cookies may have influenced your life. Cookies Rule!


Thursday, April 29, 2010

Cookie Recipe #117 - Lemon Cutout Cookies


"I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!" Actually, there is no ice cream involved in this recipe, just lots of lick-smacking lemon. You can use whatever shape of cookie cutter you desire to achieve the same results.

Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup butter, softened, 1 egg, 1/3 cup lemon juice, 1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, sprinkles & food coloring (optional).

Instructions: Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. In large mixing bowl, beat sugar and butter until fluffy; beat in egg. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with lemon juice; mix well (dough will be soft). Cover and chill overnight in refrigerator or 2 hours in freezer.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out dough, one third at a time, to 1/8 inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut out shapes with desired cookie cutters dipped in flour. Place 1 inch apart on prepared sheets.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove and allow to cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.

When cookies are completely cooled, make icing as follows: Mix confectioners' sugar and lemon juice together until smooth and of spreading consistency. Add food coloring, if desired, and top with sprinkles.

Makes 3-4 dozen cookies.

"Treasury of Holiday Cookies", Publications International, LTD, Lincolnwood, IL, 1994.

Cookies Rule!!!

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