Ceres Secrets

Snowflake Cookies

I believe that cold snowy days are perfect for baking something decadent. The winter storm that hit Ohio encased us in ice and blanketed us with snow. The roads were a mess, so we were glad when most things were closed and we were granted a snow day. Indulging in the occasion, I pulled out my favorite sugar cookie recipes and made a batch of Snowflake Cookies. The entire morning went by in a blur of snowflakes both outside my window and inside my kitchen. The fragrance of butter, sugar, and vanilla that filled our home was decadent. We ate these pretty little cookies throughout the day and I am convinced that there is no better way to warm up your home during a blustery winter storm.

Snowflake Cookies

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups butter (room temperature)

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

4 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Frosting:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons of butter, softened

1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

an assortment of food coloring and sprinkles

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla; beat well. Stir together the dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture until completely blended. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/4 an inch thickness. Cut with various sized snowflake shaped cookie cutters dipped in flour. Gently transfer cookies to an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool the cookies on wire cooling racks. 

Frosting:

Mix together the sugar, butter, vanilla, and milk. Add more milk in small increments if the icing is too thick. Add food coloring to the icing if desired. Use a cake decorating piping set to decorate the cookies and sprinkle them with sprinkles.

 In a pinch you can fill a ziploc bag with the icing and cut a small hole in one of the bottom corners. It works fairly well if you do not have a piping set.

Enjoy!

Ceres' Recipe Box baking, cookies, recipe, winter