PXR Christmas Advent Calendar: December 15th

[TotodileHop24]

First off, I would just like to take some time to say how much I've enjoyed reading through everyone's Advent surprises! It's been a real treat. =)

Speaking of treats, for my chosen date, I wanted to do something fun involving Christmas goodies! I can honestly say that I don't bake things as often as I feel that I should.. but when I do, it always seems to put me in a creative mood. So for this year, besides making my regular batch of sugar cookies, I baked 4 special cookies - Holiday-themed pokémon!



As you can see, I decided on recreating the three starters from Gen 7, and Pikachu of course! Each cookie was hand-carved by using a cardboard cutout, and the detailing was made using my 3DS stylus! XD

I also included some process photos below:


Carving and detailing begins!


Ready for baking!


Don't they look yummy?


Time to decorate!

Overall, this was such a fun experience, and I would love to do something similar next year. Perhaps I will feel a bit bolder and experiment with food coloring.. we'll see! My only regret is not being able to share them with you all. *sad face*

One more thing - I'm also posting the recipe that I used for these cookies below. The recipe itself is super easy, and what's great about it is that you do not need to chill the dough before carving!

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Roll Out Cookie Recipe

Ingredients:
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp baking powder
3 cups flour

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer. Beat in egg and vanilla. Add baking powder and flour one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. The dough will be very stiff; blend last flour in by hand. Do not chill dough. Divide dough into 2 balls. On a floured surface, roll each ball in a circle approximately 12" in diameter and 1/8" thick. Dip cutters in flour before each use. Bake cookies on ungreased cookie sheet on top rack of oven for 6 to 12 minutes depending on size, or until cookies are lightly browned.

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!