These cookies were unreal and tasted as good as they looked. Although, the star cookies veered away from the Hawaiian theme; I loved them anyways.

My good friend, Beth, graciously offered to make cookies for each Baby Shower guest using the cookie cutters, I’d ordered online.  The presentation  of these cookies was out of this world.  Each guest received a cookie cutter and a package of homemade cookies. When I look at the pictures, I’m still amazed at the job she did.

If you’re interested in making something similar you’ll need:

• Cookie Recipe (see below)
• Icing Recipe (see below)
• Baby Blue Sanding Sugar
• Cellophane Bags/Ribbon
• Icing Pen
• Cookie Cutters

Sugar Cookies

The secret is in chilling the dough which results in a cutout cookie with defined edges.

1. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.
3. Mix in vanilla and milk.
4. Stir in flour, mixing just until flour is incorporated.
5. Form dough into two disks.
6. Roll each disk between two sheets of parchment paper to approximate desired thickness (usually 1/4 inch).
7. Place rolled dough on flat sheet and refrigerate at least 2 hours, until thoroughly chilled.
8. When you are ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 F.
9. Line cookie trays with parchment paper.
10. Carefully place dough on cutting surface, and peel off top layer of parchment.
11. Smooth dough with rolling pin if required.
12. Cut using cookie cutters, placing on the parchment lined sheet, with at least an inch of space separating each cookie.
13. Return cut cookies to refrigerator to ensure dough is chilled (about 10 minutes).
14. Bake cookies approximately 7 minutes, until bottom edge is barely brown.
15. Cool completely before decorating.
16. Store cookies in airtight container up to one week.

Royal Icing

4 egg whites
4 cups sifted icing sugar
1 tsp lemon extract

1. Beat egg whites in large glass or metal bowl at high speed until foamy.
2. Gradually add sugar and extract.
3. Beat until thickened.

Thanks again, Beth, those cookies were super yummy. I could use one about now, it’s 12:34 am and all I have is a stink’n granola bar.