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:
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73 comments:

  1. Thoughtfully Blended HeartsFebruary 8, 2011 at 7:34 AM

    I'm always on the lookout for a good simple cookie recipe...think I'll try this one today...snowed in here!!!
    Have a beautiful week!!!

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  2. Sarah Marie KathleenFebruary 8, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Your blog is so cute. Pigs have always been my favorite animal and I adore the three dancing ones you have at the top :)

    Those look delicious, thanks for the recipe.
    ~Sarah

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  3. PamFebruary 8, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    Those are very cute. I always have problems waiting for the dough to chill. I always take it out early and always regret it. I'm not a patient baker I guess.

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  4. Linda @ A La CarteFebruary 8, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Those are so cute! How fun to make for children with a message.

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 8, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Hi Lynn! Oh, your cookies are so beautiful! And look how prettily you've decorated them! :)
    Yummy! I'm sure they taste as good as they look although they're are almost too pretty to eat.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  6. shannon i olsonFebruary 8, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    those are great cookie cutters! Nice clear lettering, love sugar cookies :)

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  7. From the KitchenFebruary 8, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    I've seen those "message" makers and pens at W-S. Now I'm tempted to have them so I can send my own cookie messages. Good job!

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  8. OliveFebruary 8, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    They turned out very pretty. When I make cut out cookies I chill my dough for at least 24 hours but I am not an expert in anything. ♥O

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  9. DaphneFebruary 8, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    Lynn, you are my hero! I had that kit but got so frustrated with it that I returned it. The cookies look beautiful and delicious! Well done!

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  10. DonnieFebruary 8, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    Those look like a lot of fun and delicious too.

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  11. Sonny GFebruary 8, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    those cookies are too adorable...

    thank you so much for visiting me.. I believe all the good wishes you and others are sending me have a positive effect and will make this transition go smoother...

    hugs
    Sonny

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  12. Sue McPeakFebruary 8, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    How fun are the Message Cookies! What will they think of next!!! Love the frosting pens...will have to try those!

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  13. Johanna GehrleinFebruary 8, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    Hello Lynn,
    those cookie cutter are great. I would prefer to stamp my cookies with "Low Calories". LOL
    You did a fabolous job with the icing pens.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  14. SueFebruary 8, 2011 at 3:07 PM

    These look professional...you did a great job!

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  15. SweetladyelaineFebruary 8, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Your cookie cutters are great! I love that the message is already there. I never used the icing pens. Thank you....

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  16. AnonymousFebruary 8, 2011 at 4:03 PM

    Love cookies, and yours look wonderful!

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  17. DonnaFebruary 8, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Hi, Lynn,
    Thanks for the input on the pics size.
    Your cookies are really cute. You did an excellent job on the red swirls.
    D

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  18. Blondie's JournalFebruary 8, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    These are adorable, Lynn!! The recipe looks delicious and I could never do as nice of a job with the icing as you did!!

    XO,
    Jane

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  19. Infatuated with Homes and GardensFebruary 8, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    What cute cookies I am sure they taste as great as they look ,I sent you an award ,please pop over to accept!

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  20. acorn hollowFebruary 8, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    very cute and they sound yummy
    Cathy

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  21. LaFebruary 8, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    These cookies warm my heart. I love the red filigree. They sound yummy with the combination of citrus.

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  22. KathleenFebruary 8, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    I hold them up to the mirror to make sure I have it right. It works!
    They came out great. Hope you didn't pay full price! :)

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  23. UnknownFebruary 8, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    Love the cookies.

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  24. scrambledhenfruitFebruary 8, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    So cute! Lots of possibilities with these cookies. :)

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  25. LVFebruary 8, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    What a great fun cookie bake-off for the entire family. Wish I had one of y our now.

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  26. SavoringTime in the KitchenFebruary 8, 2011 at 10:12 PM

    I have the Christmas stamp cookies from WS - Love them but it's all about having a good recipe.

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  27. Bella's Rose CottageFebruary 8, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    I love cookies and all the pretties to make and decorate them, but somehow I have missed this, how fun!! I love it!!
    Bella

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  28. Sunny Simple LifeFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:06 AM

    Those are cutey patootey. I want.

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  29. SarahFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:17 AM

    Darling cookies. I don't have any of these cutters. I may have to look for some of these. ~ Sarah

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  30. MaryFebruary 9, 2011 at 1:55 AM

    I love it! Thank you linking up to Masterpiece Monday! Have a great week, Mary :O)

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  31. ★Carol★February 9, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Those cookies look so perfect that they should be in a cookbook or cooking magazine!
    Happy REDnesday!
    Carol

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  32. E. CharlotteFebruary 9, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    Oh my goodness! That is the COOLEST cookie cutter ever. I am so envious! I love your word cookies!

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  33. ElaineFebruary 9, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    What SWEET cookies! I've saved the recipe, and will be trying them soon (although I probably should alert the Fire Department first... my track record with baking isn't great!) Yours look wonderful!

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  34. Linda (More Fun Less Laundry)February 9, 2011 at 8:56 PM

    Hi Lynn, I saw those cookie cutters but I always have trouble with cutters and decided to pass--but you did a great job with them. And the design is superbly done--you must be an artist! I might join your party if I can find a gadget in my kitchen--I'm not much of a cook :) Linda

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  35. BethFebruary 9, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Your cookies are adorable, Lynn! Happy Valentine's Day!
    Blessings, Beth

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  36. Bargain Decorating with LaurieFebruary 9, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    Oh, those are soooo cute! I'm going to have to get some of those cutters, but I don't think I'll be able to do the swirlies as pretty as you did. Thanks for the recipe. laurie

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  37. Designs on 47th StreetFebruary 9, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    What?? Another gadget I don't have? These are cute and I thank you for the recipe.

    Donna

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  38. BeckyFebruary 9, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    Thank you, thank you! I have that set of cookie cutters, but have not yet attempted to use them. I really appreciate your explanations. They are so lovely. Thank you also for joining in on our Colours of Love party.

    Becky

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  39. Sweet Bee CottageFebruary 9, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    How adorable! Cute and I love the way you frosted them too. Sweet!

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  40. AmyFebruary 10, 2011 at 1:13 AM

    Oh wow! These cookies are beautiful! I live the way you decorate them with the red icing! so pretty!

    Amy
    http://utry.it

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  41. Chari at Happy To DesignFebruary 10, 2011 at 1:58 AM

    Hi Lynn...

    Girlfriend, you always make the prettiest desserts! I just adore your message cookies...they're soo pretty! I especially like the red swirlies that you decorated them with! I'll have to check out Williams Sonoma...would love to give these a try! Thanks for sharing them...and your recipe with us today!

    I also wanted to thank you for coming by and taking a peek at my Valentine place setting! I always enjoy your visits and sweet notes, my friend!

    Warmest Valentine wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  42. Candy @ The Little Round TableFebruary 10, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    Good Morning Lynn -

    Cookies ..... another major food group at our house! Love your cutters and you've finished them so beautifully. Can't wait for you gadget party! I could easily "pig out" on these cookies. LOL

    Thanks so much for joining my first linky party on The Little Round Table and I hope that you will be able to visit again soon.

    Candy

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  43. Linda @ Life and LindaFebruary 10, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Good morning. Your Valentine's cookies are adorable. Love the words. Thanks for stopping by. Linda

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  44. Miz HelenFebruary 10, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    I love the "I Love You Cookies"...they are just precious. Great cookie cutter stamp. They will be great for the exchange here today. Thank you so much for bringing them to Full Plate Thursday and please come back!

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  45. annFebruary 10, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    These cookies are wonderful. I love everything at W-S. These are great.

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  46. Kaye Swain - SandwichINK for the Sandwich GenerationFebruary 10, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    So very cute! Love those cookie cutters! And I'm so enjoying visiting all your fun Valentine posts this week! :) Happy Valentine's Day!

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  47. SavoringTime in the KitchenFebruary 10, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    I only have the Christmas message cutters but these would be great too!

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  48. Natasha in OzFebruary 10, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    This is so cute! I wish we had the great stores that you have over here. My favourite destination when we visit America is Williams Sonoma. I think I need to start saving for another trip!

    Best wishes always,
    Natasha.

    PS Thank you so much for adding my Valentine's Sunday Song button to your blog!xo

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  49. The Fajdich TimesFebruary 10, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    Great cutters! Just love everything from Williams-Sonoma. Happy Valentine's Day:)

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  50. SoutherncookFebruary 10, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    Cute cookies,Love them.

    Carolyn/A Southerners Notebook

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  51. Melynda@Scratch Made Food!February 10, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    These are too cute, thanks for sharing. Stopping from Miz Helen's Full Plate Thursday.

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  52. The TablescaperFebruary 10, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    These are so neat and you could use them at different times of the year.

    - The Tablescaper

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  53. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiFebruary 10, 2011 at 10:22 PM

    I've been tempted by these WS message cookie cutters many times on their website, Lynn, but I always was deterred of the mixed reviews they got. Seeing how nice they came out for you makes me wish I bought them! Maybe I'll look for a set at the WS outlet ..fingers crossed!

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  54. Donna@Conghaile CottageFebruary 11, 2011 at 12:18 AM

    These are amazing. I have never seen them before. I think they would also work on a pie crust For Fun??? Your cookies look Yummy! OH and I "LOVE" the funny kitties above! TOO CUTE!!!
    Happy Valentines Day!
    Hugs, Donna

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  55. Pattie @ Olla-PodridaFebruary 11, 2011 at 12:18 AM

    These cookies look great. I have a cookie cutter that has a built-in bar for messaging that I got in Germany years ago, but never had the nerve to try it.

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  56. Allison @ Alli 'n SonFebruary 11, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    What a fun idea. These cookies are beautiful!

    I'm hosting a weekly linky for sweet recipes called Sweet Tooth Friday. I'd love to have you stop by and link up. http://alli-n-son.com/2011/02/10/spicy-chocolate-chip-cookies/

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  57. UnknownFebruary 11, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    CLEVER gadget Lynn---looking forward to the gadget party :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  58. UnknownFebruary 11, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    I bet Cookie Monster is thinking the same thing!
    Beautiful looking cookies..
    Have a wonderful Valentine weekend,
    Yours Sincerely,
    Shirley

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  59. DaphneFebruary 11, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    I was so glad to see these at The Colors of Love!

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  60. Goddess of BakingFebruary 11, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    I have these cookies cutters too! I love them!! So cute!

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  61. Christina @ Still LuckyFebruary 11, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    Those are the cutest cookies cutters ever!

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  62. The Experimental CookFebruary 12, 2011 at 4:46 AM

    I love this cookie - sigh - wish I have the cookie cutter. It will be the perfect Valentine's day snack :)

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  63. TeresaFebruary 12, 2011 at 7:59 AM

    Really cute cookies. Love the red decorating. WS is one of my favorite stores. You're tempting me to go looking around there today.

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  64. AbbyFebruary 12, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    What a cute idea! I have never seen the lettering before1

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  65. Sandi @the WhistleStop CafeFebruary 12, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    Another friday's favorite for sure :-)

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  66. JessaFebruary 12, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    Oh these are so cute, I have seen the sets before but didn't realize how adorable they are. I am going to have to try this with my kiddos. Thanks so much for adding this!

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  67. BumbleVeeFebruary 12, 2011 at 8:42 PM

    I wouldn't even care so much if I didn't have the messages.... I just wish I hadn't given away my heart shaped cutters...waaahhhhh....

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  68. ❀~Myrna~❀February 13, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    I love the message cookies!
    Happy Valentine's Day !
    Blessings,
    ~Myrna

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  69. CarolFebruary 13, 2011 at 11:12 PM

    Love your message cookies, that looks like a fun gadget!

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  70. Angie - Big Bears WifeFebruary 14, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    very cute! I love them! Just like the candy messages!! Adorable!

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  71. LisaFebruary 16, 2011 at 4:01 AM

    These are so cute. Looks like it was a fun project and a tasty one at that. Thanks for linking this up to Sweets for a Saturday. It was one of the top 5 for this week.

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  72. ShirleyFebruary 20, 2011 at 11:44 PM

    So simple but gorgeous! I love the color and the scroll effect.

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  73. Meg LubyFebruary 21, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    these are so great! i almost got that cookie cutter myself from WS but, instead got the star wars ones ;)
    glad i found your blog! love it, you now have a new follower!
    -meg
    @ http://www.clutzycooking.blogspot.com
    @ http://www.myscribblednotebook.blogspot.com

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