Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Message Sugar Cookies-Valentine's Day!

Hey everyone! Cookies are truly one of life's simple pleasures! I love cookie cutters and couldn't resist the message ones from Williams-Sonoma! After a couple less than stellar attempts, I think I've figured it out!
I used the recipe that came with them and added the zest of half a lemon and half a lime. 
I also decreased the vanilla to 1/2 tsp and added 1 tsp lemon extract. 
This was the first time I used W-S icing pens and thought they worked very well!
Just make sure you heat them in hot tap water for the 5 minutes as directed.
If they firm back up, just reheat.

These fun cookie cutters are one of my Favorite Kitchen Gadgets! 
I hope you'll join my Party on Valentine's Day and share some of your Favorites too-Details HERE!

Message In A Cookie
2 1/2 C flour, sifted
1/2 tsp salt
12 Tblsp butter, room temp
1 C sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla (I used 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp lemon extract)
(I added the zest of one half lemon and lime, would have used all lemon, but only had a half left)

Directions:
Beat butter, sugar and food coloring (if using) till creamy. Add egg and extracts, mix well. Scrape down bowl and add flour a little at a time. 
Roll out to about 1/4", use cutters. Transfer to cookie sheets, chill for 15 minutes.
Bake 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

My Notes:
I deleted the first chilling of the dough. I roll cut out cookie dough onto parchment paper, topped with wax paper. Use the cutter and imprint the words, the cookies only need about 1/4" of space between them. Remove extra dough (a toothpick will help lift it up in tight areas). Then slide the parchment onto a cookie sheet and place it in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking. Works great!!! Also, it only takes a light touch to imprint the words.
Have a happy day:@)

I'm joining: