alainaflute
Greg
Jody
E.G.D.Festive Sand Dollar Cookies
Posted by Jody on December 11, 2012
‘Tis the season to be baking. Fa la la la la!
I definitely have my own favorites for our family Christmas cookie line up, and some kind of yummy cut-out sugar cookie is always on that list!
Let’s Roll!
This year I decided to try something a little different. Inspired by my collection of sand dollars, I thought it would be fun to try out an idea for coastal themed Christmas cookies. Of course, these sweet beach treasures are great for any time of year and would be a big hit at any luau or beach picnic!
I used a sugar cookie recipe that I found at Art of Dessert (recipe below).
I used a small mouth Mason jar lid band for the cookie cutter.
After rolling out the dough to 1/4 inch, I used a small mouth Mason jar lid band to cut out my cookies. It was just the right size (almost 3″ across) for the sand dollar I was trying to match. Once the cookies were cut and placed onto the cookie sheet, I pressed five whole, blanched almonds into the shape of the sand dollar design in the bottom center of each cookie dough circle. For some of the sweet treats, I used a plastic drinking straw to push a hole through the top of the cookie (for hanging). Before placing the cookie sheet into the oven, I sprinkled the cut-outs with sugar. For the first batch of sand dollar cookies, I used a lighter sugar crystal. Thinking that I’d like the remaining batches of the cookies to look a little more “sandy,” I used a darker “raw” sugar for sprinkling on the rest.
The first batch is ready for the oven!
Batch #2 (sprinkled with the darker “raw sugar”) is ready for the oven.
Of course, hanging your tempting sand dollar cookies on the Christmas tree is optional. You might want to wait until just before the guests arrive to keep these goodies safe from dogs, kids, elves and cookie monsters of all ages!
Yummy and Festive Sand Dollar Cookie Ornament
You’ll need to use a sugar cookie recipe that would make a sturdy enough dough for setting the blanched whole almonds into the sand dollar design.
Here’s the basic recipe I used:
Egg-Free Sugar Cookies
Makes about 4 dozen cookies (This size of sand dollar made 30 cookies)
Allergy Note: contains wheat and dairy ingredients3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract (I’m thinking of adding a touch of almond extract to my next batch.)
1/4 cup milkSift together flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and milk. Slowly add in the dry ingredients. Divide the cookie dough in half, form them into discs and wrap them in wax paper or plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until slightly firm.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. On a lightly floured surface, take out one of the discs and roll it to about 1/4 inches thick. Cut into shapes and transfer onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. (Here’s where I pressed in the whole, blanched almonds and sprinkled on the sugar “sand”.) This dough can get a little too soft to handle at room temperature so you may have to return it to the refrigerator after rolling and cutting your first batch of cookies. You can bring out the second disc when you’re ready to roll and cut the second batch for baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the golden brown around the edges.
For Santa Claus
You might want to consider making a double batch if you want to have any left for Santa!
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Pismo Beach Sand Dollars
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Maryanne said
I’m torn — do they look delicious or too pretty to eat
Seriously, these sound wonderful and I’m so happy that it’s all natural, clean ingredients. Nothing beats homemade!
Jody said
You bet! We tend to shy away from the artificial colors and flavors.
kiwiskan said
Such a clever idea – they look lovely!
Jody said
Thank you! They’re going fast!
shazzarob said
They look lovely.:)
However What exactly are Sand dollars? I am from the UK so not in the know…..
Jody said
What a great question! Here’s a bit more info on sand dollars: Cha ching! Sand Dollars. Fun to find. I hope it helps!
Enchanted Seashells said
You know I love these! What a lovely idea for gifts for the neighbors too!! I hope mine look as good as yours!
Jody said
Thanks you! They’re pretty much fail-safe. I can’t wait to share them!
knowledgeknut said
YYYYYYUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
Jody said
Rolling Harbour said
Can’t cook, won’t cook… but even I am tempted to find an apron (whatever that is) and have a go. They look great. But where do I find the oven?
Jody said
Maybe the neighbors have one?
shazzarob said
aha now I know what sand dollars are.I don’t think we have them here.Very unusual.thanks for sharing the link.x
Jody said
You’re welcome! And thanks so much for stopping by!
My Children’s Favorite Christmas Cookies – Part 2 « jovinacooksitalian said
[...] Festive Sand Dollar Cookies (beachtreasuresandtreasurebeaches.com) [...]
frizztext said
nice ritual, Jody!
Jody said
Thank you! It’s even more fun to eat them!
Monique said
Oh, these are beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration!
Jody said
You’re welcome! They’re great fun in all kinds of ways!
Santa is Making His List – on a Sand Dollar | Seashells by Millhill said
[...] Festive Sand Dollar Cookies (beachtreasuresandtreasurebeaches.com) [...]
lynnwyvill said
these are so cute! What a clever idea. They’d never make it to the tree, though. LOL
E.G.D. said
I agree! And if they did make it to the tree, they wouldn’t last long there, either ^_^
Filio Kondylis said
Very creative, Jody. I bet the cookies taste fantastic too. I have to say, I’m glad you picked sand dollars as a source of your inspiration. I don’t know what it is about them, but they have a look that is intriguing to me.
Jody said
Thank you! They’re pretty tasty and going very fast!