CHARLOTTE – Most people I know have a fond memory of a grandparent or mother making sugar cookies during the holidays.  For me, it was all about Christmas Eve and having a variety of thin, melt in your mouth sugar cookies and a variety of flavored, some would call them “fun” cookies that added a bit more variety to the cookie tin.  My Grandmother made these with love and honor, and we looked forward to her cookies beyond any others during the Holidays.  This recipe is rather easy to make and are study enough to handle and decorate with the kids- now make some memories! Enjoy~

Christmas Cookies 2021 (8-12 servings)

Prep Time: 60 Minutes | On the Table: 90 minutes

3 Cups All-purpose Flour (sifted) | 1 ½ teaspoon Baking Powder

½ teaspoon Kosher Salt | 1 cup Granulated Sugar

1 cup Unsalted Butter | 1 Fresh Farm Egg | 3 tablespoon Heavy Cream

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract  |  2 Egg Whites

¼ cup Colored Sugar (variety) |  ½ cup Jimmies or Sprinkles

Frosting:

1 cup Shortening  |  1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1 teaspoon Almond Extract  |  2# bag 10X Powdered Sugar

4 oz. Whole Milk  |  Quality Food Coloring (optional)

For the Cookies- Over a large stainless-steel bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Cut in butter and blend with a pastry blender (food processor) until mixture resembles cornmeal. Stir in lightly beaten egg, cream, and vanilla. Blend well until dough forms and comes away from the mixing bowl.  Make into a large oval, cut in half and wrap each disc.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Let’s make the frosting next- In a large stainless-steel bowl, using your electric hand mixer, place the shortening, vanilla extract and almond extract into the center of bowl.  Beat at medium speed until creamy.  On low speed, add in the 10X powdered sugar 1 cup at a time with 1-2 tablespoons of the whole milk.  Continue this process until all of the sugar and milk are used.  Beat at medium- high speed until creamy.  Color some or all of the frosting if desired.  Place into a piping bag with a star tip for use later.

Let’s make some cookies- Preheat oven to 400F degrees.  On a floured surface, roll out the sugar cookie dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes and remove the excess dough around the shapes. Brush lightly with egg white. Sprinkle with sugar, jimmies or sprinkles.  Transfer to ungreased baking sheets with parchment paper. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until delicately brown.

Remove and cool on cookie rack- once cooled down, you can add additional frosting, sugars and jimmies or sprinkles for fun!  Serve on a large platter for your holiday table!  Share meals together, Food is Life, Food is Love!

Chef Glenn is a corporate chef based in Waxhaw- please send any feedback to  chefglenncolumnist@gmail.com