12 Days of Cookies 2008 - Day 10

Paula's Snowflake Cookies For an elegant treat, Paula decorates classic sugar cookies with colored frosting and shiny hard candies. Start with her simple base, or if you're pressed for time during the busy holidays, use store-bought dough. Get today's web-exclusive recipe at Food Network Watch Paula make her Snowflake Cookies Miss a cookie? Find recipes and photos
Cook Time 10 minutes Level Intermediate Yield 2 1/2 dozen Ingredients 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon almond extract 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Edible Paint Icing, recipe follows Garnish: silver dragees, sugar pearls, sparkling sugar Directions In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla and almond extract until combined. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to sugar mixture, beating until smooth. Wrap dough in heavy-duty plastic wrap, and refrigerate 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with assorted snowflake cookie cutters and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Chill dough 15 minutes. Bake for 10 minutes, or until edges are very lightly browned. Let cool for 2 minutes on baking sheet. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks. Paint cookies with Edible Paint Icing. Garnish with silver dragees, sugar pearls and sparkling sugar, if desired. Edible Paint Icing: 1/4 cup cold water 3 tablespoons meringue powder 2 cups confectioners' sugar Food coloring, optional In a medium bowl, combine water and meringue powder; whisk until foamy. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Add food coloring, if desired. Use immediately. Recipe Tools Print Recipe Get 3x5 Card Get 4x6 Card