Cookies

Is there anything that makes a house smell as good as homemade cookies? Add to that the facts that they're usually fairly easy to put together, quick to bake, with plenty to share.

On that note, here are six yummy cookie recipes to try, including Pumpkin Swirl Cookies (since it is October, the month for pumpkins and such) and Strawberry Maple Oat Cookies. Enjoy!

LEMON BUTTER COOKIES

This is from Diana Rattray on The Spruce Eats. Diana wrote, “These lemon butter cookies are delicious little snowballs full of vibrant lemon flavor. Fresh finely grated lemon zest and lemon juice flavor the cookies perfectly, and the powdered sugar coating makes them extra special. I add chopped walnuts to the cookies but they may be made with chopped pecans or no nuts at all.

“Bake these easy lemon butter cookies for a special occasion or family treat. They're perfect for a party or holiday. Bake them for Easter or a spring or summer event.

“The recipe is easily scaled up for a party or bake sale event. See the tips and variations for a few more ideas and tips for freezing cookies.”

Total: 30 mins; Prep: 15 mins; Cook: 15 mins; Yield: 2 to 3 Dozen (24 servings)

To view this yummy, lemony recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (8 ounces)

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup butter (unsalted, softened)

2/3 cup sugar (granulated)

2 teaspoon lemon peel (finely grated)

1 large egg

3 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh)

1/2 cup walnuts (finely chopped)

1/4 cup powdered sugar

Directions

Heat the oven to 350 F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease the pan lightly.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Blend thoroughly with a spoon or whisk. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Beat the egg and lemon zest into the creamed mixture, and then add the lemon juice.

Gradually stir the flour mixture into the first mixture until well blended.

Fold in the chopped walnuts.

With floured hands, shape the dough into small balls and arrange on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread just slightly.

Bake the lemon cookies for about 12 to 16 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned on the bottoms.

Remove the cookies from the baking sheet to a rack and let them cool.

Using a mesh sieve or sifter, sprinkle the cooled cookies with confectioners' sugar.

Makes about 2 to 3 dozen cookies.

Tips and Variations

If you'll be freezing the cookies, omit the powdered sugar coating. Put the cookies in containers separated with sheets of wax paper and freeze for up to 4 months. Defrost the cookies and place them on a rack. Sift powdered sugar over them.

Omit the chopped walnuts or replace them with chopped pecans or toasted coconut.

Add a teaspoon of dried ground lavender flowers to the flour mixture.

If you are using salted butter, reduce the salt slightly to a scant 1/2 teaspoon.

CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO OATMEAL COOKIES

Makes 48 cookies.

From the December 2011 issue of Vegetarian Times, page 75. This begins, “Take chocolate chip cookies to the next level with this espresso-spiked dough that's laced with chewy oats.”

To view this online, click here.

3/4 cup all-purpose flour or oat flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

4 oz. (1 stick) margarine, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup cooled espresso or strong coffee

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups oats

1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda in bowl.

Cream margarine and sugar together with electric mixer in bowl. Beat in espresso and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture 1/2 cup at a time, adding up to 1/2 cup more if necessary to make thick dough. Stir in oats and chocolate chips.

Divide dough in half. Transfer each dough half to large sheet of plastic wrap or wax paper. Use plastic wrap to shape dough into 2 2-inch-diameter logs with plastic wrap or wax paper. Wrap tightly, and chill 2 hours, or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Slice dough logs into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Transfer slices to greased or parchment paper–lined baking sheet. Bake 8 to 11 minutes, or until cookies look dry on top. Cool cookies 3 minutes on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack.

nutritional information Per Cookie: Calories: 56; Protein: less than 1 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Saturated Fat: less than 1 g; Carbohydrates: 8 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 43 mg; Fiber: less than 1 g; Sugar: 4 g; vegan

RAISIN OATMEAL COOKIES

This is from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list, though it looks like it was from a diabetic list.

Yield: 2-1/2 dozen cookies (1 per serving)

Ingredients

6 tablespoons margarine, softened

1/4 cup fat-free sour cream

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup raisins for baking

Directions

Mix margarine, sour cream, egg, and vanilla in large bowl; mix in brown sugar. Mix in combined oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. Mix in raisins.

Drop dough onto greased cookie sheets, using 2 tablespoons for each cookie. Bake at 350 degrees F. until browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 cookie): Calories: 90, Fat: 2.7 g, Cholesterol: 7.1 mg, Sodium: 57 mg, Protein: 1.5 g, Carbohydrate: 15.3 g

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Bread/Starch, 1/2 Fat

COWBOY COOKIES

This is also from the infamous long-since-forgotten emailing list. It's amazing how many recipes I've gotten on emailing lists.

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups quick cooking oats

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Layer the ingredients in 1 quart jar in order given. Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next one. Include a card with the following instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.

In medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter or margarine, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir in entire contents of jar. You may need to use your hands to finish mixing. Shape into walnut sized balls. Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 11 to 13 minutes in preheated oven. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

STRAWBERRY MAPLE OAT COOKIES

This is from Crofter’s Organic, and was featured in the December 2018 issue of Taste For Life, which I’d picked up at one of my favorite places, Rollin’ Oats in St. Petersburg, Florida. If you’re ever in St. Pete (especially if you live nearby), check it out!

Anyway, the recipe begins, “This recipe is far from your grandma’s oatmeal cookie. These cookies are the epitome of summer - chewy oatmeal goodness bursting with juicy strawberry flavor all thanks to our strawberry premium fruit spread. Count us in. This flavor combination is one for the books and will take your cookie game to the next level. Not to mention, they’re healthier than your average cookie but shhh no one needs to know. That’s because they taste great. Give them a try and see for yourself! Yum!”

Serves 6 - 8; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes.

Check them out online at https://croftersorganic.com/recipe/strawberry-maple-oat-cookies/.

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats

3/4 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon Himalayan salt

1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

1/2 cup coarsely ground walnuts

1 egg

2 tablespoons coconut oil melted and cooled

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 cup Crofter’s Organic Strawberry Premium Fruit Spread

Directions

In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients - flour, oats, baking powder, and salt. Add spices and walnuts. Mix all together until combined.

In a separate bowl whisk the egg, coconut oil, vanilla, and maple syrup. Mix well with a whisk until well combined.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix. Finally, stir in the diced strawberries. Mix gently with a spoon. Let the mixture sit for few minutes.

Preheat oven to 356F (180C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

With a scoop or spoon, scoop the dough, and place it on the baking sheet. Arrange the cookies 2-inches apart. Slightly flatten the dough with the spoon.

Bake 12-15 minutes until the edges of the cookies begin to brown.

Remove cookies from the oven, and let them cool for few minutes on a baking sheet. Then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

PUMPKIN SWIRL COOKIES

This is from the Food Network, and begins, “Break open these oversized cookies, fragrant with pumpkin and spice, to reveal a soft interior with a beautiful swirl.”

Level: Easy; Total: 4 hr 20 min (includes chilling and cooling times); Active: 55 min; Yield: 12 large cookies

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Dough:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook's Note)

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Pumpkin Cookie Dough:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting (see Cook's Note)

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 1/4 cups packed dark brown sugar

1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 large egg, at room temperature

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Glaze:

2 cups confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/4 cup milk

Directions

For the sugar cookie dough: Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Beat together the granulated sugar and butter in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, scraping down the bowl and paddle once, until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat to fully combine. Add the vanilla and beat to combine. Turn off the mixer. Add half of the dry ingredients and turn the mixer to low; beat until incorporated. Scrape down the bowl and paddle, add the remaining dry ingredients and beat on low until just incorporated. Scrape down the bowl and increase the mixer speed to medium low for 1 minute to make sure the dough is well combined.

Transfer the dough to a piece of plastic wrap. Use a rubber spatula to spread and press the dough into a flat rectangle. Add a second piece of plastic wrap on top, and flatten the rectangle using a rolling pin to approximately 8 by 10 inches. Wrap tightly and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to overnight.

For the pumpkin cookie dough: Whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Beat together the brown sugar and butter in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, scraping down the bowl and paddle once, until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat to fully combine. Add the pumpkin and vanilla and beat to combine. Turn off the mixer. Add half the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until incorporated. Scrape down the bowl and paddle, then add the remaining dry ingredients and beat on low speed until just incorporated. Scrape down the bowl and beat on medium low for 1 minute to make sure the dough is well combined.

Transfer the dough to a piece of plastic wrap. Use a rubber spatula to spread and press the dough into a flat rectangle. Add a second piece of plastic wrap on top and flatten with a rolling pin to approximately 8 inches by 10 inches. Wrap tightly and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to overnight.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment.

Unwrap the pumpkin cookie dough and place on a lightly floured piece of parchment. Lightly flour the top and a rolling pin and roll into a larger rectangle about 10 1/2 by 16 inches (see Cook's Note). Slide the parchment with the dough onto a baking sheet and refrigerate while you repeat the process with the sugar cookie dough. Roll and refrigerate the sugar cookie dough in the same manner.

Use a pastry brush to dust off any excess flour from the top of the pumpkin cookie dough. Using the parchment to help you, flip the pumpkin cookie dough onto the sugar cookie dough, lining up the 2 rectangles as closely as possible. Cut the dough in half crosswise with a very sharp knife or pastry cutter so you now have 2 rectangles that are 10 1/2 by 7 inches. Stack the dough rectangles on top of one another so you now have 4 layers of alternating cookie dough. Cut this stack crosswise into 6 rows, then lengthwise into 4 rows so you end up with a total of 24 squares. Stack one layered square on top of a second one and, using lightly floured hands, gently press the edges together and round into a domed ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining squares, evenly spacing 6 dough balls on each lined baking sheet.

Bake, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until the cookies are puffed in the center and golden brown around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool on the pans 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack set inside a baking sheet to cool completely.

For the glaze: Meanwhile, whisk together the confectioners' sugar with the pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl. Add the milk and whisk until completely incorporated. Transfer to a quart-sized resealable plastic bag or piping bag. Snip the end and drizzle the cooled cookies with the icing. Let set, about 20 minutes.

Cook’s Note

When measuring flour, we spoon it into a dry measuring cup and level off excess. (Scooping directly from the bag compacts the flour, resulting in dry baked goods.) The pumpkin dough will be much softer than the sugar cookie dough so you will have to use more flour when rolling out to prevent sticking. Work quickly; if the dough gets too soft or warm, place the whole piece of parchment on a sheet pan and place in the freezer for a few minutes.

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