Cute Christmas Cookies

It is time to think about cute Christmas cookies again. What makes a cookie cute? Hare are some of the answers -- animals, color, Christmas-themed, simplicity in idea, winter, stars, snowflakes. Because they are so cute, they are fun to make and share. They definitely bring a little bit of joy to those who are taking one. They are great for cookie exchanges and potlucks. Why not bring some fun to those you think about during this holiday season.

Supplies

Chocolate icing

Red mini M & Ms

Drop Sugar Cookies

2-1/2 c flour

1 c sugar

1 t vanilla

1 egg

2T milk

1/2 c butter

1/2 t baking soda

1/2 c shortning

350 degree oven. Drop onto greased baking sheet three inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes.

Brown Sugar Cookies

1/2 lb. butter

1/2 c. sugar

2 cups of flour

1 t. vanilla

350 degree oven. Chill for an hour and then roll out and bake for 10 minutes.

Either put chocolate icing in a sandwish bag and cut a small hole in order to pipe the decorative antlers and eyes. Use some more icing to have the M & Ms stick.

4 c powdered sugar
3 T meringue powder
1/2 t extract (vanilla, lemon or almond)
1/2 - 3/4 c warm water

This recipe uses meringue powder instead of raw eggs. However, if you want to use raw egg, it is your choice.

3-1/2 c flour

1 c soften butter (unsalted)

1/2 t salt

2/3 c sugar

1 egg

1 T light corn syrup

1 T vanilla extract

thin licorice

375 degree oven. Mix and form a roll to refrigerate. Slice the dough and roll to 1/4". Use a mitten cookie cutter. Make 2 different color dough and shape into rectangular shapes. Refrigerate. Then, roll out to 8 x 11 and stack both together and slice into 2 inches and then turn them onto the side so that you see alternating stripes. Press together and then put wax paper on top of the stripes and then roll out. Poke a hole in each mitten if you want to thread a thin licorice.

Use two color dough and twist to form the candy cane cookies.