Best Cookies Book: August 2015

Monday, August 31, 2015

greek egg biscuits

Ingredients

Servings: 8
2 cups unsalted butter
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
5 eggs
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons baking powder
1/4 cup sesame seeds

Recipe

in large mixing bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. add the sugar and beat for 10 minutes on medium speed. add four of the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. beat in the vanilla. combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. add to the butter mixture and stir to form soft, cohesive dough. add flour if dough is too soft to handle easily.
preheat oven to 350 degrees f. grease cookie sheets
lightly flour a work surface. break off 1 inch lumps of dough and roll on floured surface into ropes about 7 inches long and 1/4 inch in diameter. cross the ends and twirl dough in a loop in the opposite direction, forming a braid. place on cookie sheets about 1 inch apart.
beat remaining egg. brush braids for glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds. bake 20 to 25 minutes. let cool on cookie sheets for 10 minutes, then remove to racks to cool completely.

Chef John's Lemon Bars

Ingredients

Servings: 1
for the shortbread crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
for the lemon layer:
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar, or to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place an oven rack into middle position in oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). lightly oil an 8x8-inch baking dish.
place 1 cup flour and butter in a mixing bowl and mash with the back of a spatula or wooden spoon until thoroughly combined. mix in 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; mash mixture together until mixture looks like a slightly crumbly cookie dough.
moisten your fingers with a little water and press dough into bottom of prepared baking dish. use a fork to prick holes all over the crust.
bake crust on center rack in the preheated oven until crust edges are barely golden brown, 22 minutes.
beat eggs and egg yolks together in a bowl; whisk in sugar and 2 tablespoons flour until smooth. add lemon juice and lemon zest; whisk for 2 minutes. pour lemon custard over crust.
bake on center rack until custard is set and top has a thin sugary crust, 25 minutes. let cool completely before cutting into bars. dip knife into very hot water, run around the edge, and cut into 16 squares. dust cookies with 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar.

Classic Butter Cookies Ii

Ingredients

Servings: 3
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Recipe

cream the butter until light. gradually add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. beat in the egg and almond extract.
gradually blend in the flour. cover and chill dough for at least 1 hour.
preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c).
roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. cut into desired shapes, using lightly floured cookie cutters. place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets.
bake at 350 degrees f (175 degrees c) for 8 to 12 minutes or until golden. remove to wire racks to cool completely. decorate as desired.

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Shaped Vanilla Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 2
1 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Recipe

cream together the margarine, sugar and eggs. stir in vanilla, flour, baking soda and salt.
roll out (not too thin) and cut into any shape. bake at 375 degrees f (190 degrees c) for 8 minutes.
i have used confectioner sugar frosting, or buttercream frosting, or even canned frosting ( if i'm desperate). enjoy!

Cherry Poppyseed Twinks

Ingredients

Servings: 2
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/2 cup cherry preserves

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 300 degrees f (150 degrees c ).
cream together butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. beat in egg and vanilla. mix in flour, salt, and poppy seeds until well blended. drop dough from a teaspoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet. make an indention in the middle of each cookie with your finger. if the dough is too sticky, dip your finger in water first. fill each hole with about 1/2 teaspoon of cherry preserves.
bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until edges begin to brown.

Macaron (french Macaroon)

Ingredients

Servings: 16
3 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1 2/3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup finely ground almonds

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.
beat egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until whites are foamy; beat in sugar and continue beating until egg whites are glossy, fluffy, and hold soft peaks. sift confectioners' sugar and ground almonds in a separate bowl and quickly fold the almond mixture into the egg whites, about 30 strokes.
spoon a small amount of batter into a plastic bag with a small corner cut off and pipe a test disk of batter, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, onto prepared baking sheet. if the disk of batter holds a peak instead of flattening immediately, gently fold the batter a few more times and retest.
when batter is mixed enough to flatten immediately into an even disk, spoon into a pastry bag fitted with a plain round tip. pipe the batter onto the baking sheet in rounds, leaving space between the disks. let the piped cookies stand out at room temperature until they form a hard skin on top, about 1 hour.
preheat oven to 285 degrees f (140 degrees c).
bake cookies until set but not browned, about 10 minutes; let cookies cool completely before filling.

Chewy Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 30
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups margarine
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup sugar for decoration

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). in a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
in a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just blended. roll the dough into walnut sized balls and roll the balls in remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets and flatten slightly.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned at the edges. allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Austrian Jam Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 3
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup chopped almonds
1 cup raspberry jam

Recipe

in a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. add the vanilla and egg yolk; mix until fluffy. stir in the flour, and refrigerate dough for 2 hours.
preheat oven to 300 degrees f ( 150 degrees c ). grease cookie sheets.
measure out the dough by teaspoonfuls, and roll into balls. dip the balls into chopped almonds and set on the prepared cookie sheet 1 inch apart. with a finger, make an indention in each cookie, fill the indention up with jam using a teaspoon or a pastry bag. bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, cookies should be golden brown. remove from pan after baking to cool on a wire rack.

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Mrs. Sigg's Snickerdoodles

Ingredients

Servings: 4
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c).
cream together butter, shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the eggs and the vanilla. blend in the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. shape dough by rounded spoonfuls into balls.
mix the 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon. roll balls of dough in mixture. place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not too hard. remove immediately from baking sheets.

Cherry Poppyseed Twinks

Ingredients

Servings: 2
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/2 cup cherry preserves

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 300 degrees f (150 degrees c ).
cream together butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. beat in egg and vanilla. mix in flour, salt, and poppy seeds until well blended. drop dough from a teaspoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet. make an indention in the middle of each cookie with your finger. if the dough is too sticky, dip your finger in water first. fill each hole with about 1/2 teaspoon of cherry preserves.
bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until edges begin to brown.

Easy Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 4
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c). in a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. set aside.
in a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. beat in egg and vanilla. gradually blend in the dry ingredients. roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

Big Soft Ginger Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 2
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons sugar

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. set aside.
in a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. store in an airtight container.

Mrs. Sigg's Snickerdoodles

Ingredients

Servings: 4
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c).
cream together butter, shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the eggs and the vanilla. blend in the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. shape dough by rounded spoonfuls into balls.
mix the 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon. roll balls of dough in mixture. place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not too hard. remove immediately from baking sheets.

Butter Cookies V

Ingredients

Servings: 7
2 cups butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 egg yolks
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. beat in the yolks one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. combine the flour and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. shape dough into logs about 2 inches in diameter. wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate or freeze until firm.
preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). unwrap rolls. you can roll the logs in nuts or sprinkles before slicing. slice into 3/8 inch wide slices. place slices 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. do not brown. remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Shaped Vanilla Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 2
1 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Recipe

cream together the margarine, sugar and eggs. stir in vanilla, flour, baking soda and salt.
roll out (not too thin) and cut into any shape. bake at 375 degrees f (190 degrees c) for 8 minutes.
i have used confectioner sugar frosting, or buttercream frosting, or even canned frosting ( if i'm desperate). enjoy!

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 5
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. beat in eggs and vanilla. stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c). roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. cool completely.

Yia Yia's Baklava

Ingredients

Servings: 20
syrup:
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
4 whole cloves
1/2 cinnamon stick
1 lemon, juiced, divided
filling:
1 pound finely chopped walnuts
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, or more as needed
20 sheets phyllo dough

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

stir together water, 2 cups sugar, cloves, cinnamon stick, and 1/2 the lemon juice together in a saucepan. bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until flavor blends and syrup consistency is reached, about 15 minutes. stir remaining 1/2 the lemon juice into syrup. strain and refrigerate until cool, at least 30 minutes.
stir walnuts, 1 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a bowl.
preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). brush butter on the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch glass baking dish.
lay the phyllo dough out on a clean, dry surface and cover it with plastic wrap. cover the plastic wrap with a damp towel.
lay 1 sheet of phyllo dough in prepared baking dish and lightly brush with butter. lay another 1 sheet of phyllo dough on top, brush with butter. repeat layering and brushing with butter with 4 more sheets of phyllo dough.
gently spread 1/3 the walnut mixture in an even layer over the phyllo dough in the baking dish. place a sheet of phyllo dough over the walnut mixture and brush it with butter. repeat layering and buttering with 3 more sheets of dough.
spread another 1/3 the walnut mixture in an even layer over the phyllo dough in the baking dish. place a sheet of phyllo dough over the walnut mixture and brush it with butter. repeat layering and buttering with 3 more sheets of dough.
spread the remaining 1/3 walnut mixture in an even layer over the phyllo dough in the baking dish. place a sheet of phyllo dough over the walnut mixture and brush it with butter. repeat layering and buttering with the remaining 5 sheets of dough. cut baklava into 1-inch diamonds.
bake in the preheated oven until lightly golden brown, 35 to 45 minutes.
pour cooled syrup over baked baklava and cool for 1 day to absorb syrup.

Butter Cookies V

Ingredients

Servings: 7
2 cups butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 egg yolks
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. beat in the yolks one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. combine the flour and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. shape dough into logs about 2 inches in diameter. wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate or freeze until firm.
preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). unwrap rolls. you can roll the logs in nuts or sprinkles before slicing. slice into 3/8 inch wide slices. place slices 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. do not brown. remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Austrian Jam Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 3
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup chopped almonds
1 cup raspberry jam

Recipe

in a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. add the vanilla and egg yolk; mix until fluffy. stir in the flour, and refrigerate dough for 2 hours.
preheat oven to 300 degrees f ( 150 degrees c ). grease cookie sheets.
measure out the dough by teaspoonfuls, and roll into balls. dip the balls into chopped almonds and set on the prepared cookie sheet 1 inch apart. with a finger, make an indention in each cookie, fill the indention up with jam using a teaspoon or a pastry bag. bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, cookies should be golden brown. remove from pan after baking to cool on a wire rack.

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 5
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. beat in eggs and vanilla. stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c). roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. cool completely.

Iced Pumpkin Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 3
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.
in a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and sugar. add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. mix in dry ingredients. drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.
bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.
to make glaze: combine confectioners' sugar, milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. add milk as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency.

Chewy Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 30
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups margarine
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup sugar for decoration

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). in a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
in a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just blended. roll the dough into walnut sized balls and roll the balls in remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets and flatten slightly.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned at the edges. allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Friday, August 28, 2015

Brown Butter Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 5
2 cups butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup hot water

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c).
heat butter over medium heat for 5 minutes or so, until it turns nut brown in color. the foaming and bubbling is part of the browning process, but watch it carefully so that you don't burn the butter. remove from heat, and cool slightly. reserve 1/2 cup of the butter for the frosting.
pour remaining browned butter into a large mixing bowl. beat browned butter with brown sugar until the butter is no longer hot. mix in eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. beat thoroughly. mix in flour and chopped pecans. drop tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until light brown around the edges. cool.
in a medium bowl, mix the reserved 1/2 cup browned butter with 2 teaspoons vanilla, confectioners' sugar, and hot water. beat until smooth, and use to frost cooled cookies.

Chef John's Lemon Bars

Ingredients

Servings: 1
for the shortbread crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
for the lemon layer:
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar, or to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place an oven rack into middle position in oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). lightly oil an 8x8-inch baking dish.
place 1 cup flour and butter in a mixing bowl and mash with the back of a spatula or wooden spoon until thoroughly combined. mix in 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; mash mixture together until mixture looks like a slightly crumbly cookie dough.
moisten your fingers with a little water and press dough into bottom of prepared baking dish. use a fork to prick holes all over the crust.
bake crust on center rack in the preheated oven until crust edges are barely golden brown, 22 minutes.
beat eggs and egg yolks together in a bowl; whisk in sugar and 2 tablespoons flour until smooth. add lemon juice and lemon zest; whisk for 2 minutes. pour lemon custard over crust.
bake on center rack until custard is set and top has a thin sugary crust, 25 minutes. let cool completely before cutting into bars. dip knife into very hot water, run around the edge, and cut into 16 squares. dust cookies with 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar.

Soft Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 2
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups quick cooking oats

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a medium bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar. beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; stir into the creamed mixture. mix in oats. cover, and chill dough for at least one hour.
preheat the oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c). grease cookie sheets. roll the dough into walnut sized balls, and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. flatten each cookie with a large fork dipped in sugar.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in preheated oven. allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cracked Sugar Cookies Ii

Ingredients

Servings: 5
1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar for decoration

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a large bowl, cream together the shortening and 1 1/2 cups sugar until smooth. beat in the eggs one at a time then stir in the vanilla. combine the flour, baking powder and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until well blended. cover dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). roll dough into 1 inch balls and roll the balls in the remaining sugar. place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
bake for 8 to 9 minutes in the preheated oven, or until just barely golden. allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

Chef John's Lemon Bars

Ingredients

Servings: 1
for the shortbread crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
for the lemon layer:
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar, or to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place an oven rack into middle position in oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). lightly oil an 8x8-inch baking dish.
place 1 cup flour and butter in a mixing bowl and mash with the back of a spatula or wooden spoon until thoroughly combined. mix in 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; mash mixture together until mixture looks like a slightly crumbly cookie dough.
moisten your fingers with a little water and press dough into bottom of prepared baking dish. use a fork to prick holes all over the crust.
bake crust on center rack in the preheated oven until crust edges are barely golden brown, 22 minutes.
beat eggs and egg yolks together in a bowl; whisk in sugar and 2 tablespoons flour until smooth. add lemon juice and lemon zest; whisk for 2 minutes. pour lemon custard over crust.
bake on center rack until custard is set and top has a thin sugary crust, 25 minutes. let cool completely before cutting into bars. dip knife into very hot water, run around the edge, and cut into 16 squares. dust cookies with 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar.

Beth's Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 3
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup raisins

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c).
in a large bowl, cream together the butter, butter flavored shortening, brown sugar, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. stir in the oats and raisins. drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
bake 10 to 12 minutes until light and golden. do not overbake. let them cool for 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheets to cool completely. store in airtight container. make sure you get some, because they don't last long!

Brown Butter Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 5
2 cups butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup hot water

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c).
heat butter over medium heat for 5 minutes or so, until it turns nut brown in color. the foaming and bubbling is part of the browning process, but watch it carefully so that you don't burn the butter. remove from heat, and cool slightly. reserve 1/2 cup of the butter for the frosting.
pour remaining browned butter into a large mixing bowl. beat browned butter with brown sugar until the butter is no longer hot. mix in eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. beat thoroughly. mix in flour and chopped pecans. drop tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until light brown around the edges. cool.
in a medium bowl, mix the reserved 1/2 cup browned butter with 2 teaspoons vanilla, confectioners' sugar, and hot water. beat until smooth, and use to frost cooled cookies.

Zucchini Brownies

Ingredients

Servings: 1
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup margarine
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
in a large bowl, mix together the oil, sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla until well blended. combine the flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, baking soda and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. fold in the zucchini and walnuts. spread evenly into the prepared pan.
bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies spring back when gently touched. to make the frosting, melt together the 6 tablespoons of cocoa and margarine; set aside to cool. in a medium bowl, blend together the confectioners' sugar, milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. stir in the cocoa mixture. spread over cooled brownies before cutting into squares.

Chewy Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 30
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups margarine
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup sugar for decoration

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). in a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
in a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just blended. roll the dough into walnut sized balls and roll the balls in remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets and flatten slightly.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned at the edges. allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Zucchini Brownies

Ingredients

Servings: 1
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup margarine
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
in a large bowl, mix together the oil, sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla until well blended. combine the flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, baking soda and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. fold in the zucchini and walnuts. spread evenly into the prepared pan.
bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies spring back when gently touched. to make the frosting, melt together the 6 tablespoons of cocoa and margarine; set aside to cool. in a medium bowl, blend together the confectioners' sugar, milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. stir in the cocoa mixture. spread over cooled brownies before cutting into squares.

Cracked Sugar Cookies Ii

Ingredients

Servings: 5
1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar for decoration

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a large bowl, cream together the shortening and 1 1/2 cups sugar until smooth. beat in the eggs one at a time then stir in the vanilla. combine the flour, baking powder and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until well blended. cover dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). roll dough into 1 inch balls and roll the balls in the remaining sugar. place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
bake for 8 to 9 minutes in the preheated oven, or until just barely golden. allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

Soft Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 2
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups quick cooking oats

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a medium bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar. beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; stir into the creamed mixture. mix in oats. cover, and chill dough for at least one hour.
preheat the oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c). grease cookie sheets. roll the dough into walnut sized balls, and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. flatten each cookie with a large fork dipped in sugar.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in preheated oven. allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Easy Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 4
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c). in a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. set aside.
in a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. beat in egg and vanilla. gradually blend in the dry ingredients. roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

Big Soft Ginger Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 2
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons sugar

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. set aside.
in a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. store in an airtight container.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Macaron (french Macaroon)

Ingredients

Servings: 16
3 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1 2/3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup finely ground almonds

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.
beat egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until whites are foamy; beat in sugar and continue beating until egg whites are glossy, fluffy, and hold soft peaks. sift confectioners' sugar and ground almonds in a separate bowl and quickly fold the almond mixture into the egg whites, about 30 strokes.
spoon a small amount of batter into a plastic bag with a small corner cut off and pipe a test disk of batter, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, onto prepared baking sheet. if the disk of batter holds a peak instead of flattening immediately, gently fold the batter a few more times and retest.
when batter is mixed enough to flatten immediately into an even disk, spoon into a pastry bag fitted with a plain round tip. pipe the batter onto the baking sheet in rounds, leaving space between the disks. let the piped cookies stand out at room temperature until they form a hard skin on top, about 1 hour.
preheat oven to 285 degrees f (140 degrees c).
bake cookies until set but not browned, about 10 minutes; let cookies cool completely before filling.

Macaron (french Macaroon)

Ingredients

Servings: 16
3 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1 2/3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup finely ground almonds

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.
beat egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until whites are foamy; beat in sugar and continue beating until egg whites are glossy, fluffy, and hold soft peaks. sift confectioners' sugar and ground almonds in a separate bowl and quickly fold the almond mixture into the egg whites, about 30 strokes.
spoon a small amount of batter into a plastic bag with a small corner cut off and pipe a test disk of batter, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, onto prepared baking sheet. if the disk of batter holds a peak instead of flattening immediately, gently fold the batter a few more times and retest.
when batter is mixed enough to flatten immediately into an even disk, spoon into a pastry bag fitted with a plain round tip. pipe the batter onto the baking sheet in rounds, leaving space between the disks. let the piped cookies stand out at room temperature until they form a hard skin on top, about 1 hour.
preheat oven to 285 degrees f (140 degrees c).
bake cookies until set but not browned, about 10 minutes; let cookies cool completely before filling.

Cream Wafers

Ingredients

Servings: 5
1 cup butter
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar for decoration
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

mix flour and 1 cup of butter or margarine thoroughly. stir in whipping cream and mix well. chill 1 hour.
preheat oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c).
roll dough 1/8 inch thick on lightly floured board. cut into 1 1/2 inch rounds. transfer to waxed paper heavily sprinkled with sugar, turning to coat both sides. place on un- greased baking sheet. prick in 4 places with fork. bake 7 to 9 minutes or until slightly puffed. put two cooled cookies together with filling.
to make filling: blend 1/4 cup soft butter, 3/4 cup sifted confectioners' sugar, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tsp. vanilla. if desired, tint with food coloring.

Spicy Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 3
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup shortening
1 egg, beaten
1 banana
1 3/4 cups rolled oats

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat the oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c).
in a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. cut in the shortening, until the mixture appears mealy. stir in the egg, mashed banana and oatmeal until well blended. drop by rounded spoonfuls onto an unprepared cookie sheet.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. remove from baking sheet to cool on wire racks.

Cranberry Cheese Bars

Ingredients

Servings: 2
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (16 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c).
in a medium bowl, stir together the flour, oats and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. reserve 1 1/2 cups of this mixture and press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan.
bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk until light and fluffy. stir in the lemon juice and spread the mixture evenly over the prepared crust. empty the can of cranberry sauce into a small bowl and stir in the cornstarch and brown sugar. spoon over the cream cheese layer. sprinkle the top with the reserved crust mixture.
bake for 35 to 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until top is golden. let cool completely before cutting into bars. store covered in the refrigerator.

Cream Wafers

Ingredients

Servings: 5
1 cup butter
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar for decoration
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

mix flour and 1 cup of butter or margarine thoroughly. stir in whipping cream and mix well. chill 1 hour.
preheat oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c).
roll dough 1/8 inch thick on lightly floured board. cut into 1 1/2 inch rounds. transfer to waxed paper heavily sprinkled with sugar, turning to coat both sides. place on un- greased baking sheet. prick in 4 places with fork. bake 7 to 9 minutes or until slightly puffed. put two cooled cookies together with filling.
to make filling: blend 1/4 cup soft butter, 3/4 cup sifted confectioners' sugar, 1 egg yolk, and 1 tsp. vanilla. if desired, tint with food coloring.

Easy Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 4
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c). in a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. set aside.
in a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. beat in egg and vanilla. gradually blend in the dry ingredients. roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

Spicy Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 3
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup shortening
1 egg, beaten
1 banana
1 3/4 cups rolled oats

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat the oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c).
in a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, nutmeg and cinnamon. cut in the shortening, until the mixture appears mealy. stir in the egg, mashed banana and oatmeal until well blended. drop by rounded spoonfuls onto an unprepared cookie sheet.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. remove from baking sheet to cool on wire racks.

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 5
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. beat in eggs and vanilla. stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c). roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. cool completely.

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 5
1 1/2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. beat in eggs and vanilla. stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c). roll out dough on floured surface 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
bake 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. cool completely.

Big Soft Ginger Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 2
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons sugar

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. set aside.
in a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. store in an airtight container.

Zucchini Brownies

Ingredients

Servings: 1
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup margarine
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
in a large bowl, mix together the oil, sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla until well blended. combine the flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, baking soda and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. fold in the zucchini and walnuts. spread evenly into the prepared pan.
bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies spring back when gently touched. to make the frosting, melt together the 6 tablespoons of cocoa and margarine; set aside to cool. in a medium bowl, blend together the confectioners' sugar, milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. stir in the cocoa mixture. spread over cooled brownies before cutting into squares.

Beth's Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 3
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup raisins

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c).
in a large bowl, cream together the butter, butter flavored shortening, brown sugar, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. stir in the oats and raisins. drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
bake 10 to 12 minutes until light and golden. do not overbake. let them cool for 2 minutes before removing from cookie sheets to cool completely. store in airtight container. make sure you get some, because they don't last long!

Soft Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 2
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups quick cooking oats

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a medium bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar. beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; stir into the creamed mixture. mix in oats. cover, and chill dough for at least one hour.
preheat the oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c). grease cookie sheets. roll the dough into walnut sized balls, and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. flatten each cookie with a large fork dipped in sugar.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in preheated oven. allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Iced Pumpkin Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 3
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.
in a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and sugar. add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. mix in dry ingredients. drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.
bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.
to make glaze: combine confectioners' sugar, milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. add milk as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency.

Soft Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 2
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups quick cooking oats

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

in a medium bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar. beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; stir into the creamed mixture. mix in oats. cover, and chill dough for at least one hour.
preheat the oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c). grease cookie sheets. roll the dough into walnut sized balls, and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. flatten each cookie with a large fork dipped in sugar.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in preheated oven. allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Amaretti

Ingredients

Servings: 2
3 cups blanched slivered almonds
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon almond extract

Recipe

preheat oven to 300 degrees f (150 degrees c). line baking sheets with parchment paper.
in a food processor, grind the almonds into a fine meal. add the sugar and continue to process for another 15 seconds. finally, add egg whites and almond extract, continue to process until a smooth dough forms around the blade.
using a teaspoon, place well rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets. cookies should be at least 1 1/2 inches apart. bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes. cookies should be golden. allow cookies to cool completely on the paper before removing. store in a dry place.

Mrs. Sigg's Snickerdoodles

Ingredients

Servings: 4
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 400 degrees f (200 degrees c).
cream together butter, shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the eggs and the vanilla. blend in the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. shape dough by rounded spoonfuls into balls.
mix the 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon. roll balls of dough in mixture. place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not too hard. remove immediately from baking sheets.

Apple Butter Bars

Ingredients

Servings: 3
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup apple butter
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
1 cup raisins
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

Recipe

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). grease a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan.
beat butter or margarine until creamy. add half of the flour, the brown sugar, sugar, egg, apple butter, baking soda and the apple pie spice. beat together until well blended. beat in remaining flour and stir in raisins. spread in prepared baking pan.
bake for 20-25 minutes or till toothpick in center comes out clean. cool in pan on wire rack. drizzle with icing. cut into bars.
to make icing: mix 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and 1 - 2 tablespoons milk. mix to drizzling consistency.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Chef John's Lemon Bars

Ingredients

Servings: 1
for the shortbread crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
for the lemon layer:
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar, or to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place an oven rack into middle position in oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). lightly oil an 8x8-inch baking dish.
place 1 cup flour and butter in a mixing bowl and mash with the back of a spatula or wooden spoon until thoroughly combined. mix in 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; mash mixture together until mixture looks like a slightly crumbly cookie dough.
moisten your fingers with a little water and press dough into bottom of prepared baking dish. use a fork to prick holes all over the crust.
bake crust on center rack in the preheated oven until crust edges are barely golden brown, 22 minutes.
beat eggs and egg yolks together in a bowl; whisk in sugar and 2 tablespoons flour until smooth. add lemon juice and lemon zest; whisk for 2 minutes. pour lemon custard over crust.
bake on center rack until custard is set and top has a thin sugary crust, 25 minutes. let cool completely before cutting into bars. dip knife into very hot water, run around the edge, and cut into 16 squares. dust cookies with 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar.

Zucchini Brownies

Ingredients

Servings: 1
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup margarine
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
in a large bowl, mix together the oil, sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla until well blended. combine the flour, 1/2 cup cocoa, baking soda and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. fold in the zucchini and walnuts. spread evenly into the prepared pan.
bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies spring back when gently touched. to make the frosting, melt together the 6 tablespoons of cocoa and margarine; set aside to cool. in a medium bowl, blend together the confectioners' sugar, milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. stir in the cocoa mixture. spread over cooled brownies before cutting into squares.

Chef John's Lemon Bars

Ingredients

Servings: 1
for the shortbread crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
for the lemon layer:
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar, or to taste

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

place an oven rack into middle position in oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). lightly oil an 8x8-inch baking dish.
place 1 cup flour and butter in a mixing bowl and mash with the back of a spatula or wooden spoon until thoroughly combined. mix in 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; mash mixture together until mixture looks like a slightly crumbly cookie dough.
moisten your fingers with a little water and press dough into bottom of prepared baking dish. use a fork to prick holes all over the crust.
bake crust on center rack in the preheated oven until crust edges are barely golden brown, 22 minutes.
beat eggs and egg yolks together in a bowl; whisk in sugar and 2 tablespoons flour until smooth. add lemon juice and lemon zest; whisk for 2 minutes. pour lemon custard over crust.
bake on center rack until custard is set and top has a thin sugary crust, 25 minutes. let cool completely before cutting into bars. dip knife into very hot water, run around the edge, and cut into 16 squares. dust cookies with 1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar.

Apple Butter Bars

Ingredients

Servings: 3
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup apple butter
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice
1 cup raisins
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

Recipe

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). grease a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan.
beat butter or margarine until creamy. add half of the flour, the brown sugar, sugar, egg, apple butter, baking soda and the apple pie spice. beat together until well blended. beat in remaining flour and stir in raisins. spread in prepared baking pan.
bake for 20-25 minutes or till toothpick in center comes out clean. cool in pan on wire rack. drizzle with icing. cut into bars.
to make icing: mix 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and 1 - 2 tablespoons milk. mix to drizzling consistency.

Amaretti

Ingredients

Servings: 2
3 cups blanched slivered almonds
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 egg whites
1 teaspoon almond extract

Recipe

preheat oven to 300 degrees f (150 degrees c). line baking sheets with parchment paper.
in a food processor, grind the almonds into a fine meal. add the sugar and continue to process for another 15 seconds. finally, add egg whites and almond extract, continue to process until a smooth dough forms around the blade.
using a teaspoon, place well rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets. cookies should be at least 1 1/2 inches apart. bake in preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes. cookies should be golden. allow cookies to cool completely on the paper before removing. store in a dry place.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Macaron (french Macaroon)

Ingredients

Servings: 16
3 egg whites
1/4 cup sugar
1 2/3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup finely ground almonds

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.
beat egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until whites are foamy; beat in sugar and continue beating until egg whites are glossy, fluffy, and hold soft peaks. sift confectioners' sugar and ground almonds in a separate bowl and quickly fold the almond mixture into the egg whites, about 30 strokes.
spoon a small amount of batter into a plastic bag with a small corner cut off and pipe a test disk of batter, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, onto prepared baking sheet. if the disk of batter holds a peak instead of flattening immediately, gently fold the batter a few more times and retest.
when batter is mixed enough to flatten immediately into an even disk, spoon into a pastry bag fitted with a plain round tip. pipe the batter onto the baking sheet in rounds, leaving space between the disks. let the piped cookies stand out at room temperature until they form a hard skin on top, about 1 hour.
preheat oven to 285 degrees f (140 degrees c).
bake cookies until set but not browned, about 10 minutes; let cookies cool completely before filling.

Chewy Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 30
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups margarine
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup sugar for decoration

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c). in a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
in a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just blended. roll the dough into walnut sized balls and roll the balls in remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets and flatten slightly.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned at the edges. allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Grandma's Old Fashioned Tea Cakes

Ingredients

Servings: 2
1 cup butter
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

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in a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. combine the flour, baking soda, salt and nutmeg; stir into the creamed mixture. knead dough for a few turnns on a floured board until smooth. cover and refrigerate until firm.
preheat the oven to 325 degrees f (165 degrees c). on a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness. cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto cookie sheets.
bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Banana Caramel Fluff

Ingredients

Servings: 4
2 bananas, peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 (8 ounce) can refrigerated crescent rolls
1 cup caramel topping

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c).
in a small bowl, combine bananas, vanilla and melted butter, until bananas are well coated. on a cookie sheet, unroll two crescent rolls, leaving the two triangles attached to form a square. place 1/4 of banana mixture in the center of each pair of rolls.
bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown. heat caramel topping and drizzle over dessert. serve warm.

Brown Butter Cookies

Ingredients

Servings: 5
2 cups butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup hot water

Recipe

Preparation Time:

Cook Time:

Ready Time:

preheat oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c).
heat butter over medium heat for 5 minutes or so, until it turns nut brown in color. the foaming and bubbling is part of the browning process, but watch it carefully so that you don't burn the butter. remove from heat, and cool slightly. reserve 1/2 cup of the butter for the frosting.
pour remaining browned butter into a large mixing bowl. beat browned butter with brown sugar until the butter is no longer hot. mix in eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. beat thoroughly. mix in flour and chopped pecans. drop tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until light brown around the edges. cool.
in a medium bowl, mix the reserved 1/2 cup browned butter with 2 teaspoons vanilla, confectioners' sugar, and hot water. beat until smooth, and use to frost cooled cookies.