Santas Coming Cookie Puzzle Recipes

SANTA'S COMING COOKIE PUZZLE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine cookie dough and flour. On a parchment paper-lined surface, roll dough into a 14x11-in. rectangle. With cookie cutters, cut out puzzle shapes. Slide a baking sheet under the parchment paper and dough. Chill for 5-10 minutes. , Remove shapes; place on an ungreased baking sheet. Place an almond on its side into the center of each shape for a handle. Bake shapes at 350° for 7-9 minutes or until edges are golden brown. While still warm, recut shapes with the same cookie cutters to form neat edges. (If cookies cool too quickly, return to oven until softened.) Remove to wire racks; cool. , Bake large rectangular puzzle on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet for 12-13 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Immediately recut the shapes inside the puzzle to form neat edges. Cool completely on a wire rack. , In a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth. Tint frosting with food coloring as desired. Frost puzzle and shapes; decorate with decorating gel and sprinkles as desired. Place puzzle shapes inside puzzle.

COOKIE PUZZLES

Steps:

• Roll out sugar-cookie dough to 1/4 inch thick on floured parchment paper; trim into a rectangle. Slide onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F until golden, about 12 minutes. While the cookie is still warm, cut into quarters with a paring knife, then cut each quarter into puzzle pieces. Cool completely before separating. To decorate, mix 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons water; brush on the cookies and sprinkle with colored sugar.

SANTA'S WHISKERS III

Steps:

• Cream butter and sugar in large bowl. Blend in milk and vanilla and add to creamed mixture. Blend in flour, pecans and cherries.
• Shape mixture into three 7 inch rolls. Roll each in coconut; wrap rolls and chill overnight.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Slice each roll into 1/4 inch slices and bake 12 minutes on ungreased cookie sheets.