How to make cookies

Hey Jlowe:) Here's a sugar cookie recipe that you can use with your new cookie cutters ... have fun!

Sugar Cookies

Makes about 24

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder

Beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mix until just combined. Add flour and baking powder in intervals. Dough will seem as if doesn't have enough moisture but continue to mix with mixer until combined (it will come together when chilled). Divide the dough into four equal parts, shape into four disks, wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate about an hour or until firm. Preheat oven to 375 F. Lightly grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. Roll out dough between 2 sheets of waxed paper, about 1/4 inch thick for crispier cookies and 1/3 inch thick for softer cookies. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 7-8 minutes or until edges just start to turn a golden color. For softer cookies, do not allow the cookies to take on color. Remove from oven, let cool for one minute and then transfer to wire rack. Allow cookie sheet to cool thoroughly before placing uncooked dough on it. Decorate cookies with Royal Icing or Buttercream Frosting and sprinkles.

Can be stored in freezer undecorated for 2 months. Dough also freezes well.

Source:  http://www.christmas-cook...

Classic Butter Cookies II
SUBMITTED BY: Heidi

"Simple and tasteful is always a classic."

INGREDIENTS
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
DIRECTIONS
Cream the butter until light. Gradually add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and almond extract.
Gradually blend in the flour. Cover and chill dough for at least 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes, using lightly floured cookie cutters. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 8 to 12 minutes or until golden. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Decorate as desired.


Pecan Praline Cookies
SUBMITTED BY: Debbie Evans


"Simple, but out of this world!"

INGREDIENTS
35 graham crackers
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS
Place crackers on ungreased 10 x 15 sheet cake pan, covering bottom.
Bring sugar, margarine and cream of tartar to a boil. Add nuts. Pour mixture oven the top of the crackers.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (170 degrees C).
Bake for 10 minutes. Cool for a few minutes, and remove from pan while still warm.


Chocolate Orange Cookies
SUBMITTED BY: Susan


"Two-colored Christmas cookies."
INGREDIENTS
1 (1 ounce) square unsweetened chocolate
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon orange zest
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a microwave-safe dish, melt the unsweetened chocolate, stirring frequently until smooth. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Divide dough in two. Mix orange zest into one half, and melted chocolate into the other half. Use a bit of each mixture to form a ball about 1 inch in diameter.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until center is set. Cool on wire racks.