Early Christmas Baking

I got to start making Christmas cookies already! I know it is really too early for that but our church is collecting cookies to send to our troops. In order to make sure they have them by Christmas, we have to get them to church today. Soooo.....Here is my first Christmas recipe of the season :)

Paradise Sugar Cookies

makes 3 dozen small cookies
· 1 cup granulated sugar
· 1 cup powdered sugar
· 2 cups shortening
· 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
· 1 large egg, beaten
· 4 1/3 cups cake flour = important (I've never used cake flour before but it really makes a difference)
· 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
· 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· sugar, for decorating

1. Preheat oven to 375°.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the sugars and shortening using an electric mixer.
3. Mix on slow speed 30 seconds, then scrape down the bowl with a spatula.
4. Increase speed to medium and mix for 3 minutes.
5. Slowly add vanilla and beaten egg while mixing.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the mixing bowl, mixing on slow speed until just blended. Do not over mix.
7. Scoop with an ice-cream scoop and roll in sugar.
8. Place directly on cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with palm of hand.
9. Bake at 375° for 9-10 minutes. Cookies are done when small cracks appear and are pale golden. Ideally, the edges do not brown. They will look a little underdone.

I am normally not a big fan of sugar cookies but these are yummy. They are very light and delicate (hopefully they will ship well). My husband wasn't as impressed because they were not sweet enough. Maybe that is why I like them so much.

It is time for the Recipe Swap Challenge at the Grocery Cart Recipe Swap. Go check out the great recipes!

There's a button on the bottom of my site that links you to a great gift giving guide. Check it out!