Hugs N Kisses Cookies Recipes

HUGS 'N' KISSES COOKIES

Steps:

• Cut cookie dough into 1/4-in. slices. On a floured surface, roll each slice into a 6-in. rope. Cut half of the ropes in half widthwise. Form into X's on ungreased baking sheets; seal edges and flatten slightly. Shape remaining ropes into O's on ungreased baking sheets; seal the edges and flatten slightly. Sprinkle with sugar if desired. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool for 3 minute; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

HUGS AND KISSES SUGAR COOKIES

Steps:

• Sift flour, salt, and baking powder together into a bowl. With an electric mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low; gradually mix in flour mixture. Wrap dough in plastic wrap. Chill 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Let dough stand at room temperature 10 minutes. Generously flour a large sheet of parchment. Roll out dough on parchment to a scant 1/4-inch thickness, running an offset spatula under dough and dusting with flour as necessary to prevent sticking. Transfer dough on parchment to freezer, and chill 15 minutes.
• Using a 2- to 3-inch X- or O-shaped cookie cutter, quickly cut out shapes from dough. (If dough begins to soften, return to freezer for 3 to 5 minutes.) Reroll scraps once and cut out more shapes.
• Transfer shapes to parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Freeze 15 minutes. Sprinkle shapes with sanding sugar. Bake until edges are just golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks.

CHOCOLATE HUGS AND KISSES COOKIES

Steps:

• Sift together flour, cocoa, salt, and cinnamon into a bowl. With an electric mixer, beat butter and confectioners' sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Gradually mix in flour mixture. Wrap dough in plastic wrap. Chill 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze 15 minutes.
• Using a 2- or 3-inch X- or O-shaped cookie cutter, quickly cut out shapes from dough (if dough begins to soften, return to freezer for 3 to 5 minutes). Reroll scraps once and cut out more shapes.
• Transfer shapes to baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Brush flour from shapes. Sprinkle with sanding sugar. Bake until crisp, rotating sheets halfway through, about 8 minutes. Let cool completely on sheets on wire racks. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.