Sweet Stuff

Okay, so this hasn't been the healthiest week of our lives. What can I say? I love to bake. Breakfast, snack time, dessert... it's all good. :-) So if you're craving something sweet, here's a few recipes that just may satisfy.

Melting Moments

Our Rating: 6/10

[In all fairness to these cookies, they would have been a TON better had I flattened them into a cookie shape prior to baking. We definitely still recommend them!]

1 1/2 c. flour

1/2 c. cornstarch

1/4 t. salt

1/4 c. powdered sugar

1 c. butter

1 t. vanilla

1 c. powdered sugar for topping

In a medium bowl, whisk together four, cornstarch, powdered sugar and salt. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar together until creamy (approx. 2 min.), then add flour mixture and beat until homogeneous. Refrigerate for one hour.

Preheat oven to 350. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper (or just grease them if no paper is available). Form the dough into one inch balls (I definitely recommend shaping in a flat cookie form instead) and space about one inch apart. Bake 12-14 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 3-5 min.

On a separate plate or cookie sheet, spread powdered sugar topping. Roll each cookie in sugar, then allow to finish cooling. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Chocolate Chip Scones

Our Rating: 7.5/10

[These quick and yummy treats are perfect for breakfast! Switch the chocolate chips with dried fruit or other goodies to make a variety of treats on-the-go.]

2 c. flour

1/4 c. powdered sugar

1 T. baking powder

6 T. butter, cut into chunks

1 egg

1/2 c. milk

1/2 c. chocolate chips

1 T. granulated sugar for topping

Preheat oven to 450. In a medium bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and baking powder. Cut in butter until the mixture reaches the consistency of fine crumbs.

Break egg into a bowl or measuring cup. Add milk and mix thoroughly. Add to flour mixture, along with chocolate chips. Pat the dough into a ball. Remove to a floured cutting board and knead 6-8 times until dough holds together well.

On a greased baking sheet, pat the dough into a rectangle (approx 6x9 in). Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Cut into squares (should be able to make 6-10), then cut squares diagonally to form scones. Separate and bake for 12-15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.

Sugar Cookies

Our rating: 9/10

[This is definitely the best sugar cookie recipe I've found yet!]

2 3/4 c. flour

1/2 t. salt

2 t. baking powder

1 c. butter

1 1/2 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 t. vanilla

1/4 c. sugar for topping

Preheat oven to 375. In a medium bowl, mix flour, salt and baking powder together. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla. Gradually add in flour mixture until smooth.

Place cookies on an ungreased baking sheet approx. 1 in. apart. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake 8-10 min. Makes approx. 5 dozen cookies.

We've had one other sweet addition to our home this week, though not in the food sense... I ordered this cute bench to go in our living room a few weeks ago, and it finally arrived! :-)

I know, I know, it's nothing fabulous, but I've been pretty stoked about it all week... and excitement, my friends, is always sweet. :-)

Happy Baking!