kids art cookies

several weeks ago c really wanted to make some cookies. instead of our usual chocolate chip cookies, we decided to do something different. he said he'd love to decorate some cookies. and me being me (i can't handle or have too much patience for sugar cookie cutouts and decorating), i opted for a much simpler approach to a decorated cookie with martha stewart's art cookie recipe.

these cookies turned out fabulous. they were quite the little edible art masterpieces. i say c did a very good job painting on the food coloring. the recipe said to use a straw and blow the paint around the cookie canvas, but that wasn't very successful with us. we did half blowing and half painting before baking our little cookie pieces. the overall results were great; abstract art pieces.

below's the recipe should you want to make some (with your little ones or grownups even). it's still summer so make some before school starts. hey, it could even be a neat little back-to-school treat for the teachers. :)


these cookies are quite the cookie art masterpieces and they taste delicious. so good and buttery.

kids art cookies
recipe from martha stewart

ingredients:

• 4 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• assorted liquid food coloring, for decorating

directions:

1. line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. in large bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder; set aside.
2. in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. beat in eggs.
3. add reserved flour mixture; mix on low speed until well combined. stir in vanilla. wrap in plastic; refrigerate for 45 minutes.
4. preheat oven to 325°f. on a floured work surface, roll dough 1/4 inch thick. transfer rolled dough to a prepared baking sheet; chill until firm, about 15 minutes. cut dough into large rectangles. place the cut cookies 2 inches apart on both of the prepared baking sheets. to decorate, place a few drops of food coloring on a cookie. using a straw, gently blow food coloring over cookie. place baking sheet of decorated cookies in refrigerator; chill until dough is firm, about 15 minutes.

makes 12 to 16 cookies.

cook's note: since this cookie is so buttery, keep the dough well chilled so it's easier to work with.