Bake and Take: Cookies

For Christmas Beth and I both had the same thought, that we should bake some cookies and take them round to our neighbours as a gift and at the same time invite them to a Christmas party at our house. This was following on from the summer street party that was organized for the Queen’s Jubilee this year. That was part of 'The Big Lunch' to help bring communities together, and it went really well. So this was an opportunity for us to continue building community.

We followed Martha Stewart’s basic sugar cookie recipe. Here's a brief version but you can find the whole thing at www.marthastewart.com

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk flour, baking powder and salt. 

In a separate bowl cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg and vanilla.

Gradually add the flour mixture. Beat until combined.

Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic and freeze until firm, at least 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees/170/gas mark 3

Remove dough from the freezer and let stand for 5-10 minutes.

Roll out 1/8 inch thick, and cut shaes with cookie cutters. 

Bake for 10-18 minutes. 

Decorate.

I was definitely a little bit  nervous about the response we would have, knocking on someone’s door and not being sure who will answer, but the response was great. Everyone we were able to speak to accepted them and we were able to have a quick chat in the cold too. Now we’re going to gear up for the party next week.