Baking cookies around the holidays is a big deal in our house. Some are a must every year, and we also come up with new recipes. This one is simple, delicious and fun to make with the kids!
—ANGELA LEMOINE HOWELL, NJ
PREP: 20 MIN. + CHILLING • BAKE: 15 MIN. + COOLING • MAKES: ABOUT 4 DOZEN
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon green food coloring
2 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
48 heart-shaped gumdrops
1. In a large bowl, beat butter, cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla, food coloring and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Refrigerate, covered, 1 hour or until firm enough to shape.
2. Preheat oven to 350°. Shape dough into 1 1/2-in. balls; roll in confectioners’ sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
3. Bake cookies until tops are cracked and edges are set, 12-15 minutes. Immediately press a gumdrop into each. Cool cookies on pans 5 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool.