Discuss: Holiday Cookie Recipe Swap

I love to bake.  One of the things I miss most about going to an office every day is having people to bake for.    I believe a batch of cookies at the end of a stressful week is a lubricant that keeps an office running smoothly (though not everyone agrees). This weekend, I get to bake for the first time in a very long time

This weekend, I get to bake for the first time in a very long time.  I’m very excited about it.

I’m planning to bake my Mother’s sugar cookies, a molasses cookie, and maybe something new for our Christmas Cookie Swap.  I cruised through Pinterest for a new recipe, but nothing caught my eye.  Then, I thought that I might not be the only one hunting for a new cookie recipe this holiday.

In the spirit of sharing, I decided to contribute my Mother’s Always-Soft Sugar Cookies.  They’re the greatest.  Please add a link or post the full recipe for your contribution in the comments.  Maybe we’ll all find something new to bake for our loved ones, friends, and co-workers this season.

These cookies are meant to be cut.  So invest in some good cookie cutters.  For the holidays, I like the Wilton cutters with the comfort grip, like this snowflake.  I also recommend using a silicone mat to keep them from sticking, non-stick spray can leave them a tad greasy.

Always Soft Sugar Cookies

3/4 cup butter (real butter only)

1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon extract (this can be lemon, vanilla or almond)
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees

Sift together dry ingredients and set aside.
Cream butter and sugar together until smooth.  Add eggs and extract.
Slowly blend in dry ingredient mixture.  (Sometimes – you might need to add a little
more flour, but be careful or else they will be as hard as rocks.)

Dump out on a lightly floured surface and roll to 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut into desired shape

Place on baking sheet and bake for 6 minutes.  DO NOT OVER BAKE!!!! (can you say pigeons for skeet practice if you do?)

Take off the sheet to cool.  Store in air-tight container.  To keep soft store with bread.

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