Sugar Cookies

I made these sugar cookies with my brother and they were really tasty. They were crunchy with a very nice flavor…. We did find them difficult to roll out. Also, the dough kept cracking and when we would transfer the cut out shapes they would tear but we just pressed them back together.
They baked beautifully and the flavor was delish. They taste perfect with a glass of almond milk!

This recipe was also used for the 4th of July. I took a plate to a family get together and everyone loved the cookies.
Try these for your next holiday party.

Ingredients:
– 2 1/2 c all purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp xanthan gum
-2 Tbs corn startch
-1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp baking powder
-1/2 c earth balance
-1/2 c vegetable shortening
-1 c sugar
-2 tsp vanilla extract
-1/4 c almond milk

Directions:
– mix together all the dry ingredients and set aside
– use a stand mixer to combine the margarine, sugar, and shortening for about 8 minutes so the mixture is very fluffy
– add the extract and milk and mix until completely combined.
– add the dry ingredients 1/2 of it first then add in the other 1/2 and mix to make a soft dough.
– divide the dough in half, flatten to a thick disc and cover in Saran Wrap.
– refrigerate over night
– lightly flour a large surface and a rolling pin and roll the dough carefully to about 1/2 inch thick or a little thinner
– use cookie cutter shapes in the dough and carefully transfer (you might need a thin spatula for this) to a parchment lined baking sheet
– preheat oven to 350 and bake for 8 minutes until golden.
– allow to cool slightly on pan then transfer to a cooling rack.

Add frosting & sprinkles to make appropriate for the celebration.

*basic cookie frosting*

Ingredients:
-2 c powder sugar
-2-4 Tbs almond milk
-1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:
– mix with a fork or whisk until smooth.
-add more sugar or milk as needed
– add food coloring & mix
-dip cookies or use a smooth knife to spread frosting over top.
– add sprinkles and place back on cooling rack until frosting sets to hard

– store in a tightly sealed container for soft cookies or loosely covered for crunchier cookies.

And here’s a picture of my Halloween version of these cookies: