Prize Winning Sugar Cookies Recipes

SHORTBREAD COOKIES - PRIZE WINNING

Steps:

• 1. With electric mixer beat the margarine/butter until light and fluffy. Mix in the powdered sugar, until all blended, then the flour. Mixture will get crumbly.
• 2. Stop mixer and gather dough into a large ball. It should easily pull away from the bowl and feel soft and tender.
• 3. Sprinkle a large piece of waxed paper with a bit of powdered sugar. Set dough on paper, top with another piece of waxed paper and pat down to a flatter level. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
• 4. When cooled, divide into smaller sections, and roll down a section at a time between waxed paper to about 1/4" thick. Cut into desired shape with a butter knife that has been dipped into powdered sugar for ease of cutting.
• 5. Place cut cookies onto cookie sheet covered in parchment paper. I prefer air-filled baking sheets or crockery type (Pampered Chef) as opposed to teflon coated. Bake at 350 for 20 min or until edges are just golden. Teflon sheets may bake faster so watch the time.

PRIZE COOKIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
• In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Finally, stir in the mincemeat.
• Drop dough by teaspoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from baking pans to cool on wire racks.