Message In A Cookie

What would be better than having homemade decorated cookies along with good food on Christmas? I know Christmas has passed and I'm late on sharing this recipe, but hey, you can practice and make it for other occasions or next Christmas!!

Not only is this a recipe I'd like to share, but it's also a great gift idea for your special ones. I enjoyed making these and my friends love them. I found a cool cookie cutter at Williams-Sonoma. The recipe is called "message in a cookie". The cookies turn out great and they look adorable! Needless to say, you'd better try it yourself. I'd better give credit to Paula Dean!

Christmas Cookies

Adapted from "Snowflake Cookies" by Paula Dean

Yield: 2 dozen

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Edible Icing and garnish materials such as silver dragees, sugar pearls, sparkling sugar

Directions

• Beat in butter and sugar at medium speed until fluffy.
• Beat in eggs (one at a time), vanilla and almond extract.
• In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt
• Gradually add the dry mixture into wet mixture, beating untill smooth
• Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hr or you can leave it over night
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare 2 baking sheets. If you use non-stick baking sheets, no need to use parchment paper. If not, parchment paper is highly recommended.
• Get a smooth surface area ready for the dough. Flour the area so that the dough won't stick when you roll it.
• Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
• Cut with assorted cookie cutters and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.
• Bake for 10 mins or until lightly brown on the edges.
• Let cool for 2mins on baking sheet and paint cookies with Edible Paint Icing

Ta-da the message Chrsitmas cookies are done!

Beat butter and sugar untill fluffy. I love the color and texture of this

Beat in vanilla, almond, and eggs

On lightly floured surface, roll out the dough

Use cookie cutters to cut it. Can you see the message on the cookies? It brings the cookies to the next level!

Before going to the oven

10 mins later...a snowman is done!

Girls need make up and boys need to dress - so do these cookies!

I used edible paint icing, pearl balls, and silver sugar from a store making it easier

Find a bakery box and cute ribbon to give to your favorite people!