We're Cute!

Dear N,

My December 15th goal is fast approaching and I am still not done Christmas gift making/buying. I know that I did "Pledge Handmade" and I have no excuse for it, what with being unemployed, however, what do you make a three year old and a one year old? If anyone has any suggestions I am open to them. I just have to be able to make them in 24 hours.

Anyway, to make myself feel better I'm posting a recipe for snowballs. These cookies are easy, delicious, and cute. I have converted quite a few shortbread dislikers (not a word, I know) with these cookies. Make them! They're cute!

Snowballs
From JoyofBaking.com

1 1/2 cups (210 grams) all purpose flour

1/2
cup (60 grams) cornstarch (corn flour)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (30 grams) powdered (confectioners or icing) sugar
1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping:
1 cup (110 grams) powdered (confectioners) sugar, sifted

In a medium sized bowl whisk together the flour, cornstarch and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Beat in the vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture and beat until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour or until firm.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

When dough is firm, form into 1 inch (2.54 cm) balls and place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets spacing about 1 inch apart. Bake for about 12 - 14 minutes or until the edges of the cookies start to brown. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, line another baking pan or tray with parchment or wax paper. Sprinkle about half of the confectioners (powdered or icing) sugar onto the bottom of the pan and then place the slightly cooled cookies on top of the sugar. Put the remaining sugar in a fine strainer or sieve and then sprinkle the tops of the cookies (or you can just roll the cookies in the sugar).

These cookies store very well. Place in an airtight container between sheets of wax paper and they will keep a couple of weeks.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

1 comments:

knitty_kat said...

toys of course! Or you could make colouring books? Either way, good luck