For one presidential election, I made these for my co-workers as a reminder to head to the polls.
—COLLEEN STURMA MILWAUKEE, WI
PREP: 30 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 10 MIN./BATCH + COOLING • MAKES: ABOUT 5 DOZEN
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
FROSTING
6 tablespoons butter, softened
2 2/3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Red and blue food coloring
Assorted patriotic decorations
1. In a small bowl, cream butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and extracts. Gradually add flour and salt; mix well. Divide in half; flatten and wrap each portion in plastic. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until easy to handle.
2. On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2 1/2-in. donkey and elephant cookie cutters. Place 2 in. apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray.
3. Bake at 375° for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
4. For frosting, in a small bowl, beat the butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve spreading consistency. Tint some frosting red and some blue; leave some white. Frost cookies; decorate as desired.
HAPPY ELECTION DAY!