Description
Celebrate Mother’s Day with these stunning and delicious cookies that combine a buttery shortbread base with a vibrant floral design. These pretty cookies are perfect for gifting or sharing, offering a delightful mix of sweet, buttery flavors with a hint of almond and a gorgeous iced finish that makes them as charming as they are tasty.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (assorted pastel colors)
- Edible flower decorations or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms a smooth ball.
- Chill the Dough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which will make it easier to roll out and cut.
- Roll and Cut Cookies. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use flower-shaped cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Cookies. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Icing. In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint each with chosen food coloring for a pretty pastel palette.
- Decorate the Cookies. Using a spoon or piping bags, decorate the cooled cookies with the colored icing. Add edible flowers or sprinkles on top for extra flair. Allow the icing to set for at least 30 minutes before serving or packaging.
Notes
- You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if preferred.
- Ensure the dough is well chilled before rolling to prevent sticking and maintain shape.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid sticking during baking.
- Customize the colors and decorations to match other occasions beyond Mother’s Day.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
