Hanukkah Cut-Outs

SERVES: 24

COOK TIME: 15 Min

Celebrate the holiday season with delicious honey-flavored cookies the whole family will love.

What You'll Need

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup honey
1 egg yolk
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Colored granulated ("crystal") sugar (optional)

What to Do

In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and butter on medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the honey and egg yolk and continue beating, scraping the bowl often, until well mixed, another 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour and baking powder. Continue beating, scraping the bowl often, until just mixed, about 1 minute. Cover and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
Preheat the oven to 400 degree F.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
Cut with 2-1/2-inch cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugars, if desired. Bake for 7 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Cool for 1 minute, then remove from the cookie sheets.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Notes

If the cookies seem to spread, the dough is too soft. Refrigerate the dough until it is well chilled and try again. If you'd like to make traditional holiday shapes, try cookie cutters in the shape of the Star of David, menorahs, and dreidels. And if you'd like, decorate these with frosting after they're completely cool.