Watermelon Slice Cookies Recipe
When I made these butter cookies for a party, a neighbor thought they were so attractive that she froze one to show friends.
When I made these butter cookies for a party, a neighbor thought they were so attractive that she froze one to show friends.
- Carbohydrate 5.23078220550946 g
- Cholesterol 10.1903935270678 mg
- Fat 3.99100481796518 g
- Fiber 0.20722801308753 g
- Protein 0.775385810996251 g
- Saturated Fat 2.45468375203739 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (15g)
- Sodium 1278.79361921684 mg
- Sugar 5.02355419242193 g
- Trans Fat 0.29465583821038 g
- Calories 60 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and extract.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture.
- Reserve 1 cup dough.
- Tint remaining dough red; shape into a 3-1/2-in.-long roll. Wrap in plastic wrap.
- Tint 1/3 cup of reserved dough green; wrap in plastic wrap.
- Wrap remaining plain dough.
- Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll plain dough into an 8-1/2x3-1/2-in. rectangle.
- Unwrap red dough and place on a short end of the plain dough; roll up.
- Roll green dough into a 10x3-1/2-in. rectangle.
- Place red and plain roll on a short end of the green dough; roll up.
- Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Unwrap and cut dough into 3/16-in. slices (just less than 1/4 in.).
- Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- If desired, lightly press chocolate chips into red dough to resemble watermelon seeds.
- Bake 9-11 minutes or until firm.
- Immediately cut cookies in half.
- Remove to wire racks to cool.
Watermelon Slice Cookies: A Recipe for Summer Fun
As a busy mom, I'm always looking for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. These watermelon slice cookies are a perfect example. They're visually stunning, perfect for summer gatherings, and surprisingly simple to whip up. I first discovered this recipe a few years ago in an old Taste of Home magazine, and they've become a family favorite. The vibrant colors and playful shape always bring a smile to everyone’s faces, making them ideal for both kids' parties and more sophisticated events.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no need for any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. With just a few basic pantry staples, and a little bit of creativity with food coloring, you can transform ordinary butter cookies into these delightful watermelon slices. I've found that using good quality butter makes a huge difference in the taste and texture of the cookies. The rich, buttery flavor complements the sweetness beautifully. And don't be afraid to experiment! You can add different types of chocolate chips or even some chopped nuts to create your own unique twist. The kids love helping me with the rolling and cutting, making it a fun family activity too.
I often make a double batch of these cookies, especially during the summer months. They are the perfect treat to enjoy with a glass of iced tea on a hot afternoon or to take along to a picnic or BBQ. The cookies stay fresh for several days in an airtight container, making them a great make-ahead option for busy schedules. They also freeze beautifully, making them a perfect choice for holiday baking and gift-giving. I find it’s great to have something special on hand when unexpected guests drop by.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Chill the dough: This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Use gel food coloring: Gel food coloring provides more intense color than liquid food coloring, resulting in more vibrant watermelon slices.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and hard. Start checking for doneness at the minimum baking time and remove from the oven as soon as they are firm to the touch.
- Get creative with decorations: While chocolate chips make a classic “seed” look, you can get creative with other toppings, like sprinkles or chopped nuts. You can use a toothpick to lightly etch a “rind” line for more realism.
- Make it a family affair: Baking these cookies is a great activity to share with your kids, letting them help with rolling, cutting, and decorating.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, these cookies offer a chance for creative expression. You might even try variations. How about adding a touch of lemon zest to the dough for a zesty twist or making mini watermelon slices for a fun appetizer? The possibilities are endless!
These watermelon cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a summer memory in the making. They are a symbol of simple pleasures, and a reminder of creating something beautiful and delicious, one cookie at a time. They are a testament to the magic of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary, something that brings joy to everyone who gets to taste and enjoy them.
So, gather your family, dust off your baking tools and get ready to embark on a delicious baking adventure. Your taste buds will thank you!
