It’s the time of year for Cookie exchanges and holiday parties with delicious indulgences. This year, try Helen’s favorite cookies with the recipe below.
TOTAL TIME: 1 hr 30 min
Prep: 15 min
Inactive Prep: 45 min
Cook: 30 min
YIELD: about 3 1/2 dozen
INGREDIENTS
1 pound cold unsalted butter, cut into large pieces
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus extra for dusting
2 tablespoons brandy
4 to 5 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Beat butter for 10 minutes with electric mixer until very light and creamy. Beat the egg yolks and vanilla in a separate bowl until lemon-colored, 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup sugar and beat for 10 minutes. Add egg mixture to butter and add brandy and the flour, a little bit at a time, until dough is soft.
Shape tablespoonfuls of dough into small crescents or balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. If the dough gets too warm and sticky while rolling the balls, re-chill it before continuing. Bake until very lightly browned, about 25 minutes. Cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheets. Sprinkle liberally with sifted confectioners’ sugar while the cookies are still warm. Continue to cool to room temperature.
Beat butter for 10 minutes with electric mixer until very light and creamy. Beat the egg yolks and vanilla in a separate bowl until lemon-colored, 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup sugar and beat for 10 minutes. Add egg mixture to butter and add brandy and the flour, a little bit at a time, until dough is soft.
Shape tablespoonfuls of dough into small crescents or balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. If the dough gets too warm and sticky while rolling the balls, re-chill it before continuing. Bake until very lightly browned, about 25 minutes. Cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheets. Sprinkle liberally with sifted confectioners’ sugar while the cookies are still warm. Continue to cool to room temperature.