Chef KTD - Care Package Sugar Cookies

WHEN MOM OR dad (or anyone you love) is far away from home a care package is always a fun and thoughtful way to let them know they are missed. In this installment of Chef KTD, Liz Madsen shows KTD Producer, Sarah Gonzales, how to make personalized sugar cookies that are perfect for sending through the mail - the icing dries hard so your message will be sure to make it to the other end!

Chef KTD's Personalized Sugar Cookies

Can be halved; dough frozen for up to 6 weeks

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Dough

• 1.5 cups butter (softened, unsalted)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (or any flavor extract)
• 5 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined, do not overmix. Chill for 1 hour.

Roll dough flat between two pieces of plastic wrap - this keeps it from sticking to your countertop and rolling pin. Also, this method prevents having to add more flour to the dough which can make it tough. When rolled to 1/4 inch thick, peel away plastic and cut out shapes, transferring to a non-stick baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool before icing.

Royal Icing

• 1 cup of powdered (confectioner's) sugar
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Mix sugar and milk, add corn syrup and additional ingredients. Add more corn syrup if icing is too thick. Frost cookies by dropping into icing, removing and wiping the edges clean. Pipe on writing with colored icing, affix sprinkles or any decorations you like. When icing is dry - try using edible markers and spray paints to decorate!

This story originally featured on Show 26: The Part-time Single Parent.