"sugar cookies" news and stories

When it comes to sugar cookies and Christmas, the only thing left to be said is, "Make them. Now." Break out the cookie cutters in all the holiday shapes, and gather the kids, the old people, and even the middle-aged curmudgeons -- decorating cookies can make even a grinch smile a little.
Here's a sugar cookie recipe from KitchenDaily contributor Gina Marie Miraglia Eriquez that may be the only one you'll ever need.

More Christmas Cookie Recipes

Put a taste of the south in your mouth -- the South of France. This cookie will take you to the deep purple lavender fields of Provence, and the lemon groves of Menton. (You may have missed Menton's Fête du Citron, in February, but start planning for next year. Would it tempt you if I told you that they parade statues made from lemons through the street? C'mon, a Buddha made from lemons! You've got to see this.)

The recipe, from blogger sweetbeanandgreen, is for a buttery sugar cookie with both lemon juice and zest, which is rolled in sugar and crushed lavender. A little bit of lavender goes a long way, so if you're making these for the first time, go easy on it until you know how much floral taste you want in your dessert. (Too much, and it's like taking a bite of a bar of soap.) Lavender, by the way, is recognized by herbalists for its calming effects, and as a digestive, which may make this cookie, or a honey-lavender-plum gratin, perfect snacks for just before lights out.

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Sugar cookies get a melted candy center to resemble stained glass windows in this cheery creation.

Cornmeal Sparkle Cookies. Photo: He Cooks She Cooks/Flickr.

How can anyone not smile at the sight of these cookies? There's just something so positive about a little mound of sweet goodness, especially when it's homemade. Add to that a topping as fun as sprinkles or, better yet, whimsical sparkles of sugar, and all your troubles will melt away.

A simple recipe adapted by He Cooks She Cooks, this batch of sparkle cookies was made with flour, cornmeal, salt, sugar, butter and sour cream, all rolled in an extra cup of sugar for that shimmery coating!

[Via Flickr]

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The holiday season can be a hectic and overwhelming time of the year, but it's always nice to take a couple of hours to make up a batch of roll-out butter cookies. They're a little fussy in the making, but frosted with a quick powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar dissolved in a little water and flavored with a dash of vanilla extract), they make an elegant addition to a holiday table and are sure to delight anyone you give them to.

I posted my favorite sugar/butter cookie recipe last year and it's the one I use for these types of cookies. I like to use smaller cutters for cookies that I'm going to give away, because them mean that you can get more cookies out of each roll and they look more delicate and appealing. To glaze, I make a small bowl of the frosting I described above and then quickly dip the top of the cookie into it. Let the glaze harden completely before stacking, otherwise they'll stick together and will lose the beauty and elegance you've worked so hard to create.

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