My Favorite Cutout Cookies

Finally all settled in. My first chance to really use the kitchen came last week with a BIG cookie order. 120 wedding cake cookie favors. And a few extras just for the bride and her bridesmaids!
I couldn't have done it without getting the kitchen unpacked, but it was barely ready to go.

I seriously need some better light and a real camera. I love my phone, but the picture quality just wont cut it. Actually I have a camera, just need to find it! Moving can be a wonderful new start, but it's also a hassle!

Let's forget about the move for a while and focus on the cookies! Mmmmm, cookies :)

I started with my favorite cut-out recipe. I get 2-3 dozen depending on the size of the cookie. I modify it with different flavors, but this is my go-to recipe:

Vanilla Bean Citrus Cut-outs

Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups Flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup butter, cold
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla bean paste (I use this)
1/2 tsp orange bakery emulsion (find it HERE)

Directions:
1. Get that oven going, 350 degrees.
2. Combine the flour and baking powder in a separate bowl and set aside
3. In your mixer, cream the butter and sugar together.

4. Add the egg and flavors

5. Gradually add in the flour while mixing. Scrape the bowl as you add. Do this just until all the flour is incorporated.

6. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (I usually do this on waxed paper sheets so I can pop the into the fridge to firm up)
7. Cut out the shapes you want and place onto your cookie sheets (lined with parchment paper, not waxed paper!)
8. I usually place a tray of cut out cookies into the freezer for at least 5 minutes before placing in the oven, they hold their shape much better this way!
 9. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Cookies will be lightly golden on the bottom to very slightly brown on the edges. Remove from sheet and cool on rack.

Now these little things are yummy on their own, but for this project (and most others) I needed royal icing.
Easy to make and great for cookie decorating.

Here are some pictures (again sorry for the phone quality)



Now you know what 120 cookies looks like!

All decorated and setting up

Bags and bows





 I had such a great time with this project! I mean sure it took me four days to complete, but it was worth every late night and delicious mistake :)

And as luck would have it, that same day the SEAHAWKS won their wildcard game to make it to the playoffs! So this week I'll be making some seahawk cookies to cheer them on. So many more little orders to do as well. I'll keep the pictures coming!

Thanks for stopping by!

SAP

Flour-De-Lis