Christmas Cookies with The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion

The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Cookies

The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion, subtitled "The Essential Cookie Cookbook," is a treasure trove of cookie recipes, tips, diagrams, and answers to all your cookie-related questions. This meticulously researched and tested collection features only the best and most sought-after recipes, categorized into nine essential types: Chocolate Chip, Sugar, Oatmeal, Molasses, Peanut Butter, Shortbread, Biscotti, Brownies, and Decorated Cookies.

Each category is packed with no less than 11 pages of recipes and tips, ensuring you have plenty of options to choose from. The book also includes sections on Bars & Squares, Drop Cookies, Roll-Out Cookies, Shaped Cookies, Batter Cookies, No-Bake Cookies, The Finishing Touch, and a detailed section on Ingredients.

Detailed Guidance and Techniques

As with their previous work, The King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion, this book is filled with valuable information to guide you through every step of the baking process. Detailed illustrations demonstrate various techniques such as folding, freezing cookie dough, and leveling. The book also discusses and illustrates the multitude of available cooking utensils, and even provides step-by-step instructions for packaging cookies for transportation.

The Little Extras

What sets this cookbook apart are the little extras that make it truly special. The incredibly detailed drawings for decorating cookies make it easy for even beginner bakers to create beautiful treats. Whether you're a novice or an expert, The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion will quickly become your go-to resource for all things cookie-related.

A Special Recipe: Roll-Out Sugar Cookies

Looking for a standout cookie for your holiday gathering or cookie exchange? Try this favorite recipe for Roll-Out Sugar Cookies. These cookies can be made thin and crisp or slightly thicker and crunchy, and they pair wonderfully with ice cream or fresh fruit. The dough is sturdy enough to be cut into fanciful shapes and decorated.

Roll-Out Sugar Cookies Recipe

Yield: About 3-1/2 DozenBaking Temperature: 350°FBaking Time: 10 to 12 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks, 8 ounces) butter
• 1 cup (7-1/4 ounces) sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or sour cream
• 3 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) cornstarch
• 3 cups (12-3/4 ounces) unbleached all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the butter, sugar, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well. Add half the cream, all of the cornstarch, and half the flour; beat well. Add the remaining cream and flour, mixing just until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half slightly, and wrap well. Refrigerate for 1 hour or longer to facilitate rolling.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease (or line with parchment) two baking sheets.
4. Lightly dust both sides of the chilled dough with flour. If the dough is too cold, let it rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. The dough should be pliable, not break off in chunks.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured, clean work surface. Roll the dough into a circle 1/2- to 1/4-inch thick. Thinner cookies will be crisper, thicker cookies will be sturdier.
6. Using a metal turner, pick up individual cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Remove the scraps around the edge and gently slip the cookies onto the baking sheet.
7. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until set but not browned. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
8. When the cookies are completely cool, store them in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature.

Nutrition Information (per serving, 1 cookie, 3lg)

• Calories: 134
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 2g
• Complex Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 7g
• Cholesterol: 26mg
• Sodium: 81mg
• Potassium: 21mg
• Vitamin A: 69RE
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Iron: 1mg
• Calcium: 18mg
• Phosphorus: 22mg

Interesting Stats About Cookies

• According to a survey by the National Confectioners Association, 93% of Americans bake cookies during the holiday season (NCA).
• The most popular cookie in the United States is the chocolate chip cookie, with 53% of Americans naming it their favorite (YouGov).
• The global cookie market is projected to reach $44.01 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2018 to 2025 (Allied Market Research).

With The King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion, you'll have all the tools and recipes you need to create delicious and memorable cookies for any occasion. Happy baking!