It’s been quite some time since I’ve posted a recipe and I sure miss it!

Ever had one of these?  It is believed they originated from New York.  The original cookie calls for a thin layer of icing then half vanilla fondant and half chocolate fondant. I am not particularly fond of fondant so I simply ice the cookie with half vanilla and half chocolate icing.  I use my go to sugar cookie cut out recipe.

Icing this cookie takes a little practice.  I recommend making the vanilla icing first, icing half of the cookie, and letting it set up at room temperature, uncovered for at least an hour.  You then add Hershey’s Cocoa to the vanilla icing with a little more milk and ice the other half.  Be careful not to add too much liquid as the icing will ooze off the cookie.  Allow it to set up for 3 or more hours.  Then they’re good to go!  Iced cookies such as these do not freeze well.  If you want to freeze them I suggest freezing them un-iced, then icing them upon thawing.

This cookie recipe is large.  If you’re not up to making 6 dozen cookies, freeze half of the dough.  Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then into a freezer bag.  Label and date.  Use it within 3 months or so, the sooner the better.  Thaw in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before using.

Best Roll Cut Out Sugar Cookie Recipe  (makes about 6 dozen large round  5″cookies)

2 cups sugar
4 sticks unsalted butter, one pound at room temperature
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
7 ½ cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

1) In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until fluffy and add one half of the sugar, beat, then add the rest. Add two eggs and beat. Scrape down the side of the bowl. Add the remaining three eggs and vanilla, beat until nicely incorporated.
2) Lightly measure out flour into a separate mixing bowl. Add baking powder and salt, whisk until blended.
3) Add half of the flour mixture to the egg/butter mixture and beat well. Add remaining flour and blend until all ingredients are incorporated.
4) Shape into a large ball and wrap in plastic wrap, then put into a large zip bag. Refrigerate for an hour or overnight.  It is easier to roll if you refrigerate it for the lesser amount of time.  If it’s chilled overnight, let it sit at room temperature for 45 minutes or so to warm up a bit.
5) Preheat your oven to 375’ and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Have cooling racks ready to receive hot cookies.
6) Cut off a chunk and begin working with your hands to make it pliable enough to roll out on a floured surface. Roll to 3/8” to 1/4″ thickness. Cut into large circles and place on prepared sheets, leaving at least 1” of space between cookies. Bake for 10-12  minutes. Cool for five minutes before removing from cookie sheet onto a rack. Cool completely before icing.

Vanilla Icing (this will be enough for half of the recipe, if you bake the entire batch of dough, double the icing recipe)

3 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk, any kind
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1)  Mix well, add more milk to make it spreadable but not so loose that it will run completely off the cookie.  Ice 1/2 of the cookie, starting at the center with an icing spatula and continue to the edge.  Again, this will take some practice.  (They will taste incredible even if the frosting isn’t perfect!) Allow the cookies to sit for an hour or so to set up before you start with the chocolate half.

2)  Add 2 tablespoons Hershey’s Cocoa to the bowl.  Begin to mix, you may notice that more milk is needed.  Add more milk a teaspoon at a time.  The cocoa will give it an even better texture than the plain vanilla.  Want it more chocolatey?  Add more cocoa, 1 tablespoon at a time.  Carefully ice the other half of the cookie, starting with the seam down the center then going to the outer edges.   Need more icing?  Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar to the bowl, a tablespoon cocoa and add enough milk to stir into a rich consistency again.  It is best to let them sit out overnight to completely set up.  Layer in a plastic container with parchment paper between layers.  Enjoy within 2-3 days if they last that long!

Enjoy!
Angie

Interesting Variations:

*Ice the whole cookie with chocolate and immediately add chocolate shavings.
*Ice the whole cookie with vanilla icing and immediately add confetti sprinkles.
*Add a little instant coffee to the chocolate icing and ice the whole cookie chocolate & top with chocolate covered coffee beans.
*If you like orange and chocolate add a tablespoon or two of fresh orange zest to the white icing, YUM!