Poinsettia Cookies
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Prep Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, Refrigerator, < 4 Hours
Aggregated Rating: 4.5 stars
Review Count: 3
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 55.6
- Fat Content: 3.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2g
- Cholesterol Content: 11.7mg
- Sodium Content: 61.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 6g
- Fiber Content: 0.1g
- Sugar Content: 2g
- Protein Content: 0.7g
Recipe Yield: Approximately 60 cookies
Description:
It’s time to indulge in the festive spirit and prepare those delightful Christmas goodies, and what better way to do it than with these charming Poinsettia Cookies! Crafted with love and precision, this recipe, curated by Parade food editor, Sheila Lukins, promises to be a delightful addition to your holiday spread. Embrace the joy of baking as you embark on a culinary journey filled with warmth and tradition. The preparation time for these treats includes a moment to chill the dough – a crucial step in ensuring the perfect texture and flavor. So, let’s dive into the kitchen and let the magic unfold!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup margarine
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch salt
- Sugar for sprinkling (red sugar recommended)
Instructions:
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Begin by creaming the butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
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Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the butter, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
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Beat in the eggs and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Slowly blend in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
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Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
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Once the dough is thoroughly chilled, remove one disk from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch.
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Using a sharp knife or a cookie cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into 1 1/2-inch squares.
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From each corner of the square, make a cut towards the center, stopping just short of reaching it.
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Carefully lift every other cut point and fold it towards the center, gently pressing down to form a pinwheel or poinsettia shape.
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Sprinkle the center of each cookie with red sugar, adding a festive touch to your creations.
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Repeat the process with the remaining disk of dough, ensuring that all cookies are evenly shaped and decorated.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) in preparation for baking.
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Place the assembled cookies on greased baking sheets, leaving a little space between each to allow for expansion during baking.
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Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are just lightly golden around the edges.
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Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Serve these delightful Poinsettia Cookies alongside your favorite hot beverage or package them up as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family. Enjoy the festive flavors and the joy of sharing homemade treats with loved ones during the holiday season!
