Thanks to Julia aged 5 3/4 from New Jersey, we have this fab cookie recipe. She chose not to ice and decorate hers so we have given you the option with the icing. Julia cut out heart shapes, a nice touch for Valentines or to give to someone you love any time. You could use any shape cutters, perhaps trees for Christmas.
Ingredients 500g (16oz) plain flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 220g (7 1/2 oz) butter at room temperature 300g (10oz) granulated white sugar 2 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Icing (optional) 175g (6oz) icing sugar a little water a few drops of red food colouring if desired small sweets and cherries to decorate if desired
Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200C (400F, gas mark 6). Grease and line with baking paper 2 large baking sheets. Using an electric whisk beat together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. 2. Add the egg and vanilla and beat. 3. Fold in the flour and combine to make a smooth dough. Wrap in cling film and put in the fridge for about 1 hour. 4. Lightly flour a work surface and rolling pin and roll the dough to a 1cm even thickness. If the dough is too wet add some flour. Using cookie cutters cut out shapes and place on prepared baking sheets. Repeat until all the dough is used up. 5. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes until golden in colour. Allow to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transfering onto a wire rack to cool completley.
Optional To make the icing, mix together the icing sugar and water a spoon at a time to make a smooth paste. Add food colouring if you are using it. Spoon onto cooled cookies and decorate.
Before cooking always go to our kitchen guidelines page. In here you'll find kitchen rules, safety with equipment and notes for parents.
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