Fruit-Shaped Cookies πͺ
Overview:
Prepare to embark on a delightful culinary journey crafting these charming Fruit-Shaped Cookies. While it demands a bit of effort, the end result is sure to captivate both kids and adults alike. These whimsical treats are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, perfect for any dessert tray, whether it’s for a potluck, Christmas celebration, or a weeknight indulgence.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 1 cup margarine
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 – 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Whole cloves
- Cinnamon stick
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 788.1
- Fat Content: 46.2g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 533.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 85.2g
- Fiber: 2.1g
- Sugar: 25.2g
- Protein: 8.6g
Yield:
Approximately 4 dozen cookies
Instructions:
-
Mix and Prepare Dough:
In a medium bowl, combine margarine, butter, and sugar until well blended. Gradually stir in all-purpose flour and almond extract until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. -
Divide and Shape Dough:
Divide the dough into three equal parts. Tint and shape each portion according to the desired fruit shapes outlined below. -
Chill Dough:
Place the shaped dough on an ungreased cookie sheet. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up. -
Preheat Oven:
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 300Β°F (150Β°C) in preparation for baking. -
Bake Cookies:
Once chilled, bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Ensure they are set but not browned.
Fruit Options and Shaping Techniques:
- Apples:
- Tint a portion of the dough with red or green food coloring. Shape into small balls and insert a small piece of cinnamon stick at the top for the stem and a whole clove at the bottom for the blossom end. Brush with diluted red or green food coloring for a vibrant finish.
- Apricots:
- Mix red and yellow food colors into a portion of the dough. Shape into small balls with creases down one side using a wooden pick. Insert a whole clove at the stem end and brush with diluted red food coloring.
- Oranges:
- Tint a portion of the dough with red and yellow food coloring. Shape into small balls and insert a whole clove for the blossom end. Prick the surface with a wooden pick to resemble orange peel texture.
- Pears:
- Mix yellow food coloring into a portion of the dough. Shape into small balls, then into cone shapes with rounded narrow ends. Insert a small piece of cinnamon stick at the narrow end for the stem and brush the “cheeks” with diluted red food coloring.
- Bananas:
- Tint a portion of the dough with yellow food coloring. Shape into 3-inch rolls, tapering one end to resemble bananas. Flatten the tops slightly, curve each slightly, and paint on characteristic markings with a mixture of red, yellow, and blue food coloring diluted with water.
- Strawberries:
- Use red food coloring for a portion of the dough. Shape into small balls, then into heart shapes. Prick the surface for texture and roll each in red sugar. Insert a small piece of green-colored wooden pick or green dough for the stem.
These fruit-shaped cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful addition to any occasion. Enjoy the process of creating these whimsical delights, and watch as they bring joy to those who indulge in them! ππππππ
