Introduction
Welcome to a delightful baking adventure where we blend the traditional charm of Nanaimo bars with the playful texture of sugar cookies! These Nanaimo Bar Sugar Cookie Cut-Out Cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a true treat for your taste buds. With a creamy custard icing and a sprinkle of fun, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, be it a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon tea. Let’s dive into the sweet world of baking and whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup custard powder
- 1 tablespoon milk (for icing)
- 1/4 teaspoon yellow food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: About 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, then set it aside to gather its flavors.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale—about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; be careful not to overmix!
- Divide the dough in half and flatten each portion into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) as you eagerly await the magic of baking!
- On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes.
- Place the cut-out cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to spread.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell divine!
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack—you’ll want them perfectly cool for the icing!
- In a small bowl, combine custard powder with milk and optional yellow food coloring until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if necessary to achieve a lovely icing.
- Once the cookies are cool, ice them generously with the custard icing and let your creativity shine by decorating with sprinkles!
Notes or Tips
Feel free to get creative with the shapes you cut out! Try holiday-themed shapes or seasonal designs. If you prefer a richer custard flavor, you can mix in a few extra teaspoons of custard powder into the icing. Remember, the fun part is decorating—let the sprinkles rain down!
Cooking Techniques
Chilling the dough is a crucial step in keeping your cookie shapes intact during baking. If you’re in a hurry, you can chill the dough in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes instead of an hour. When rolling out the dough, ensure your surface is well-floured to prevent sticking. This will make the cookie-cutting process smooth and easy!
FAQ
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can substitute margarine, using unsalted butter will give your cookies a rich flavor that complements the custard icing beautifully.
How should I store these cookies?
Store the iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them without icing for up to three months.
Conclusion
There you have it—a whimsical creation that marries the classic flavors of Nanaimo bars with the delightful crunch of sugar cookies! These Nanaimo Bar Sugar Cookie Cut-Out Cookies with Custard Icing will bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to everyone who enjoys them. So gather your loved ones, bake with love, and enjoy every sweet bite!