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GLITTERING CUTOUT COOKIES

The dessert table really sparkles when we make these crispy cookies for family weddings. Hearts, lips, doves, bells and other love-themed cutters work well.

—GRACE VAN TIMMEREN GRAND RAPIDS, MI


PREP: 50 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 10 MIN./BATCH + COOLING • MAKES: ABOUT 4 DOZEN

3/4 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon almond extract

1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

FROSTING

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

5 to 6 tablespoons 2% milk

Paste food coloring of your choice

Edible glitter and colored sugar

Sprinkles, optional

1. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and extract. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or until easy to handle.

2. On a well-floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2 1/2-4-in. love-themed cookie cutters. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 400° for 6-8 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

3. For frosting, in a large bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Tint the frosting as desired; frost cookies.

4. Combine equal amounts of edible glitter and colored sugar; sprinkle over cookies. Decorate some cookies with sprinkles if desired.