Tag Archive | easy cookie recipes

Christmas Almond Cookies

Dec11
Christmas Almond Cookies

Christmas Almond Cookies

Whether it’s for a cookie exchange, to share with family and friends, or to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve, nothing is better at this time of year than a batch of home-baked cookies.

Sure to be well received, these flavor-packed cookies are easy-to-prepare and are perfect for folks of all ages. One thing is certain; when it comes to celebrating the holidays, these festive cookies will help make the season bright.

Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS ALMOND COOKIES

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups flour
Almond Frosting
Holiday candy sprinkles

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar; beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Add egg, milk, and extract; beat until combined. Gradually beat in salt and as much flour as possible; stir in the rest. Shape dough into 1 1/4-inch balls; place 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Bake until set and bottoms are light golden, about 10 to 12 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Cool completely. Dip tops of cookies into Almond Frosting. Sprinkle with candy sprinkles. Makes about 4 1/2 dozen cookies.

ALMOND FROSTING

2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 to 1/3 cup milk

In a medium bowl, combine sugar, extract, and 1/4 cup milk. Mix until smooth, adding more milk as necessary to reach desired consistency.

For more easy holiday recipes, order a copy of Cooking, Baking, and Making: 100 Recipes and DIY Ideas for All Seasons and Reasons

Irish Shortbread

Mar6

As seen on WKTV NEWSChannel 2 Harried Housewife Irish Shortbread

Irish Shortbread

Irish Shortbread

Irish shortbread is a mouthwatering example of simplicity at its finest. In the traditional style of the foods from Ireland, this recipe calls for minimal ingredients but turns out cookies that are full of flavor.

Since few ingredients are necessary when making shortbread, it’s important to use top-notch ingredients for optimal taste. Irish butter is the best choice and good quality brown sugar also is preferred.

Whether you enjoy them on St. Patrick’s Day or any time throughout the year, these tasty tidbits are filled with an authentic taste of the Emerald Isle.

IRISH SHORTBREAD

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) Irish butter (such as Kerrygold), softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
Green sugar crystals (optional)
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Add flour, cornstarch, and salt; knead lightly until blended. Divide dough into six (3 1/2 to 4-inch) mini fluted tart pans; press into bottoms and up the sides of pans. (You also can pat or roll dough into a round about 1/2-inch thick on a lightly floured surface; cut into shapes as desired.) Pierce with the tines of a fork. Sprinkle with green sugar crystals, if desired. Bake until golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Immediately cut each pan of shortbread into 4 wedges. Cool completely in pans. Makes 24 cookies.