Today for our "science class" (still homeschooling Alice and Roran! At least until next week. :), ) we made some simple Yule cookies! I was nervous to try the recipe I found but, as usual, Martha Stewart came through, (with minor changes.) They turned out so yummy, I had to immediately share this recipe, including my changes!
* I tested this before deciding to blog about it, so, unfortunately, I don't have tons of photos. :(
Ingredients:
Cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling (Make sure to sift 2 cups of flour! If the flour is packed into a measuring cup, the dough will be to dry.)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 2 TB unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
Icing
1 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
3-4 tablespoons milk, water, or lemon juice ( I used a cap full of almond extract and half of a lemon, squeezed.)
Directions:
In large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. With an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture; beat until combined. Divide dough in half; flatten into disks. Wrap each in plastic; freeze until firm, at least 20 minutes, or place in a resealable plastic bag, and freeze up to 3 months (thaw in refrigerator overnight).
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment. Remove one dough disk. Roll out 1/4 inch thick between two sheets of floured parchment, dusting dough with flour as needed. Cut shapes with cookie cutters. Using a spatula, transfer to prepared baking sheets. (If dough gets soft, chill 10 minutes.) Re-roll scraps; cut shapes. Repeat with remaining dough.
Bake, rotating halfway through, until edges are golden, 10 minutes (depending on altitude). Cool completely on cutting board.
For the icing, sift confectioners' sugar into a small bowl. Whisk in almond extract and lemon juice, 1 tablespoon at a time, until smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If too thin, whisk in more sugar; if too thick, add more liquid. Spread over cookies with back of a spoon. Add other decorations, if desired. Let the icing harden, about 20 minutes.
We cut out circles to decorate for the Christmas Holiday and a few moons for Yule. Being a mixed religion family means we make room for everyone's beliefs! :)
If you enjoyed this recipe and made some yummy cookies, please share your pictures and any changes you made on our Facebook page! Have a wonderful Holiday season! Peace in!