snowflake spice cookies

This is it!  I finally found a version of a sugar cookie that has a little twist to it.   It's a vanilla spice sugar cookie seasoned with a hint of black pepper.  Don't be afraid, the black pepper is subtle and combined with ginger, cinnamon and allspice for an honest kick.  This dough is also very versatile.  You can nicks the pepper and add citrus for a tropical cookie or even cocoa for a chocolate bite.  Either way you roll the dice, it's one fabulous treat that pairs well with a cup of tea.  Perfect for a Winters afternoon.   

Go ahead...click the picture to enlarge. 

 (I swear the pepper is in there)!

Dare I say this hottie patottie is just a

Wee bit easier to work with than sugar cookie dough. 

Shh....don't tell sugar I said that.

I made snowflakes!

 

There was a blizzard in my kitchen!

I gave half of them away and kept a few for myself.

(OK. I kept more than half).

Use royal icing to decorate them...let me know what you create

 Happy baking,

Buttercream

Click to print recipe

Vanilla spice cookies

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder (omit if making thumbprints, ball cookies, or spritz cookies)

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 sticks unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350.


Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Beat butter and granulated sugar with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture, ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and pepper and beat until combined. Chill for about two hours until firm.  Roll out on floured surface and use cutters of your choice. Place cutouts on ungreased cookie sheet and Bake at 350 for about 8-10 minutes or until just barely golden brown around the edges.  Store in tightly covered container for two weeks.