Cookie Blitz

Need a gift idea for that special someone in the 4-7 age group? You can't go wrong with "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie," one of the many books in the popular series."

The delightful book started the series and is known for its playful, circular pattern. A boy gives a cookie to a mouse. The mouse asks for a glass of milk. He then requests a straw (to drink the milk), a mirror (to avoid a milk mustache), nail scissors (to trim his hair in the mirror), and a broom (to sweep up his hair trimmings). Next he wants to take a nap, to have a story read to him, to draw a picture, and to hang the drawing on the refrigerator. Looking at the refrigerator makes him thirsty, so the mouse asks for a glass of milk. The circle is complete when he wants a cookie to go with it.
Cook's Notes: Enjoy a week long cookie blitz!

Recently a friend asked me to help with her holiday baking. So I now have three new recipes to share with you. And she brought me all the needed supplies to bake. What a deal!
Each day this week I will post two recipes, one from Ever Ready and the other one from my friend. So...LET'S GET BAKING

Ever Ready Christmas M&M Cookies with Sprinkles
Cook's Notes: A kid friendly crisp cookie, easy to bake and decorate. Recipe makes about 26-28 cookies.
Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1-1/2 cups M &M's holiday colors
• Holiday sprinkles

Directions:

• In a bowl whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
• Cream butter, sugars, egg and vanilla in another bowl.
• Beat butter mixture into flour mixture.
• Fold in M & M's.
• Refrigerate dough in freezer 20 minutes for easier handling.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Line 2 baking sheets with silicone pads or parchment paper.
• Roll dough into 2 inch balls for each cookie, then roll each in sprinkles and add a few M &M's to top of dough ball.
• Place on a baking sheet and bake 11 minutes. Let cool 3-5 minutes and transfer to wire cookie rack to cool.

Sour Cream Cookies with Sprinkles
Cook's notes: These cookies have a generous dose of baking powder so they are puffy. Addition of sour cream makes for a delicious moist cookie. Vanilla icing with sprinkles make them the perfect cookie for the holiday or skip the icing and the cookie is perfect for a plate of Grinch cookies. Just need to add a candy heart (baking aisle Michaels) and Wilton White Sparkling Sugar.  

Recipe make about 38 cookies.
Cooking Tip: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. How much green you use is personal preference.

Cookie Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• Green food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups flour

Icing Ingredients:

• 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Milk as needed for frosting consistency

Cookie Directions:

• Line two baking sheets with silicone pads or parchment paper.
• Cream butter and sugar, adding in eggs and sour cream with a few drops of green coloring. Mix well.
• In another bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
• Add to cream mixture and mix well.
• Refrigerate dough in freezer 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Roll into 2 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on baking tray.
• Bake 10 minutes. Cool 3-5 minutes and transfer to cooling rack. When cookies are cooled, add icing. 

Icing Directions:

• Add powdered sugar, butter, vanilla and a few tablespoons of milk. Beat mixture on a low speed and add enough milk to achieve frosting consistency.