Sugar Cookies

DH decided that we'd have our Halloween treat decorating party TOMORROW.
He let me know yesterday

I ran home today to make sugar cookie dough. I used this Martha Stewart recipe because someone used it in their blog recently for making cute birthday cookies.
Here is the blog http://reservationsnotrequired.blogspot.com/

I like that they are a firm sturdy cookie but they still seem soft in the middle.


Sugar Cookies
Source: Martha Stewart

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons brandy, or milk
* 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar; add dry ingredients, and mix until incorporated. With mixer running, add egg, brandy (or milk), and vanilla; mix until incorporated.
2. Transfer dough to a work surface. Shape into 2 discs, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with nonstick baking mats or parchment paper; set aside.
4. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes, and transfer to prepared baking sheets, leaving an inch in between. Leftover dough can be rolled and cut once more. Bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes; do not allow to brown. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
5. Decorate with Royal Icing, optional.

When rolling our cookies out they were really really sticky. We used a ton of flour. It was fun and messy and when I say we I mean intern S and I, not DH

I'll have photos tomorrow. We'll have lots of photos during the party :)

I also made Hersheys Perfectly Chocolate cake recipe into cupcakes for the party.
http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/recipes/detail.asp?id=184
It's on the back of the can of cocoa too

I did not make the frosting because tomorrow I'll be making a boatload of buttercream to color with my gel colors. Lots of orange, purple, green, and black.