Skylar’s Culinary Adventure

What better way to start our cooking journey than with Christmas cookies. Skylar LOOOVVVEESSS cookies so this year she was really excited to decorate and eat them. Our favorite cut out recipe so far is this one from genius kitchen KITTENCAL’S BUTTERY CUT-OUT SUGAR COOKIES W/ ICING THAT HARDENS.
I added three times the amount of almond extract and twice the amount of vanilla. We like big flavor in this house! The icing was surprisingly yummy and not so runny that it made a mess. i added 1/2 cup more of the confectioners sugar and, of course, extra almond extract. 

The recipe

For the cookies:

1 cup softened butter (make sure you use sweet cream butter unsalted) 

1 cup raw cane sugar 

2 large brown eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 1/2 tsp. almond extract 

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour 

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda 

1/2 tsp. salt

For the Frosting:

2 1/2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar 

2 tbsp. milk

1 tbsp. light corn syrup 

1 tsp. almond extract 

1. For cookies; in the kitchenaid (or other stand mixer) combine butter with sugar, eggs, vanilla and almond extract; beat on high speed until light and fluffy.
2. In another bowl combine the flour with baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually stir into the butter mixture until well blended.
3. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours.
4. Set oven to 375°F.
5. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper (do not grease cookie sheets use parchment paper only).
6. On a very lightly floured surface roll out the dough into about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
8. Place cookies 2-inches apart on cookie sheet.
9. Bake 8-10 minutes.
10. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely before icing.
11. For the frosting; in a small bowl mix the confectioners sugar with milk (start with 1-2 tablespoons, you will likely need more milk for the perfect spreading consistency).
12. Beat in corn syrup and almond extract until the icing is smooth and glossy (if the icing is too thick add in a small amount more of corn syrup).
13. Divide into as many separate bowls as you wish for different color
14. Paint the icing over the cookies using a brush, or dip edges of cookies into icing.
15. Allow to set on waxed paper.