Thursday, December 10, 2009

Cookie Exchange

I just love reading Jessica Turner's blog.
She has the most adorable son Elias. Elias is about the same age as Hayden. I remember reading her blog back when she was expecting him and I was also pregnant with Hayden.

Her blog is so fun...she blogs about many things like scrapbooking, crafting and her adventures with Elias.

Jessica is hosting a cookie exchange and I decided to participate.

I love cookies...who doesn't? Jump on over to her blog and share your favorite recipe too!








Pecan Shortbread Trees


1cup butter, softened
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
5 drops green food color
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
32 pecan halves
3/4 cup white vanilla baking chips
Granulated sugar, if desired
32 yellow decorating stars, if desired




picture found @ bettycrocker.com...
mine weren't as cute as these, so I posted this pic!


Heat oven to 325°F.

Spray or lightly grease 2 large cookie sheets. In large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Beat in vanilla and food color. On low speed, beat in flour just until mixed.

Stir in chopped pecans.

Divide dough into 4 equal parts; shape each into ball.

Place 2 balls of dough on each cookie sheet, on opposite ends. With rolling pin or floured fingers, gently flatten and shape each ball into 6-inch circle. With large knife, divide and cut each round into 8 wedges, slightly separating each cut with knife.

Poke tops of wedges with fork, and place 1 pecan half in middle of each outer edge to make tree trunk.

Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until firm but not brown. While still warm, cut into wedges again. Cool completely on cookie sheets, about 30 minutes.

Place cooled tree wedges on cooling racks or waxed paper. Place baking chips in small resealable freezer plastic bag. Microwave on High 40 to 60 seconds, turning bag over after 30 seconds. Squeeze bag gently until chips are melted and smooth.

Cut small tip off one corner of bag, and drizzle side to side over wedges to make tree garland.

Sprinkle with sugar Top each tree with star.

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These cookies are so pretty and super yummy!.
Your family and friends are sure to go nuts over them...teehee!

10 comments:

jules said...

Those are so cute and I bet they are delicious!!

Kelli W said...

Those may be some of the prettiest Christmas cookies I have ever seen! Mine never turn out quite as good as the pictures either though!

Morgan said...

These are seriously cute! Love the idea!

Michelle @ Delicate Construction said...

Adorable! That tree is so cute!

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

I have just got to make some cookies... I have been saying that for days!! This post just kicked me into gear... those look amazing.

Anonymous said...

Those look yummy! Thanks for sharing.

Allison said...

So cute! These would look adorable on a Christmas tray of baked goods, and I bet the kiddos would love helping make the trees! They sound delicious too! Thanks for sharing!

Nikki said...

Wow, these are pretty. I love that they're shaped but don't require a cookie cutter. Thanks!

shortmama said...

sounds yummy!

Unknown said...

those are super cute cookies :o)