A Charming Story: September 2013

Aside from running A Charming Story Boutique, I'm a wife and Mommy of a super fun and adorable 17 month old. Mr. O keeps me busy most of the days and right now we are in a stage where he keeps me ALWAYS on my toes. I have a passion for hosting events and making people feel loved by doing special things for them.

My most recent creative outlet has been decorating sugar cookies. Before I began my research on making the PERFECT sugar cookie I was content buying the Pillsbury dough from the store... boy did I not know what I was missing out on!

I came across this website online at http://www.hanielas.com/2013/07/sugar-cookie-recipe-for-cut-out-cookies.html#.UjtSjz-LpX

Basic Sugar Cookie Recipe for Cut out Cookies

3 cups (450grams) all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 tsp kosher salt

2 sticks (1cup, 226grams)butter, unsalted, softened to room temperature

1 cup (200grams)granulated sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

1tbl vanilla extract, vanilla bean past or almond extract

Flavor options: I also like to use lemon zest with combination of vanilla extract or lemon extract, or orange zest.

Sift together flour, baking powder, add salt, set aside.
In a small dish whisk together egg and vanilla extract, set aside.
In a mixing bowl cream together room temperature butter and sugar, about 5 minutes, scrape the bowl twice. Butter creamed with sugar should be light and fluffy.
Gradually add vanilla egg mixture, beating anywhere from 30 seconds to minute until well mixed in.
Now gradually in 3 additions add flour. Lower the speed of your mixer to low. Scrape the bowl well after the last addition and beat just until flour is combined.
Scrape the cookie dough into a large bowl, and using your hands knead the cookie dough for about 30 to 60 seconds, until dough comes together.
Wrap the dough in a plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight(8hours) or minimum 4hours.
Preheat oven to 375F(190C)
Divide cookie dough in half. Roll one half of the cookie dough into about 1/4 inch thick, between 2 pieces of parchment paper using rolling guides on each side of the dough.(2 painter's sticks glued together on each side, or 2 pieces of 1/4inch molding)
Cut out as many cookies as you can. Place the cookies on a light colored baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the cut outs in the fridge for about 15 minutes, or in the freezer 8 minutes.
Bake for 9minutes, depending on the oven, turn the sheet once half way through the baking.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-7 minutes, transfer to cooling rack.
Store in the airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze undecorated cookies between pieces of wax paper in a large freeze safe container, for up to 2 months.
Decorate cookies as desired with royal icing or other medium that you use

MY BEST ADVISE: DO NOT SKIP ANY STEPS ABOVE! :)

A friend of mine encouraged me to watch some tutorials on Sweet Sugarbelles website and my new addiction was born. I have had so much fun creating and trying to master the art of sugar cookie making. By no means am I an expert but so many people have asked me where I found my recipes or techniques so I thought a blog about it would help pass the word along. :)

The secret to the perfect icing is Meringue Powder which can be purchased at Hobby Lobby, Michael's or Joann's. Make sure to take a coupon because a small jar of it costs about $5.99!

I have found that Sweet SugarBelle's recipe is my favorite and you can find it here: http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2011/04/royal-icing-101-or-all-roads-lead-to-rome/

My best advice is do a trial batch and see what works for you.... everyone has a different technique that they find most helpful and you won't know what works for you until you give it a whirl. :)

Here are some pictures of some cookies and other goodies that I made for my sister in laws babyshower recently:

I have also made these cookies for a friend bridal shower....

If you don't have a creative outlet I encourage you to find one. SO.MUCH.FUN!

If you have any cookie questions I'm happy to help! Just leave a comment below. :)

These cookies are Beachin'!

A little about me....and my new hobby too!

Sensational Saturday and Sunday SALE!!!!!

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