Moose Cookies (Basic Cookie Dough)

Firstly let me apologise for the length of time since my last post.  This was due to a failure of my internet connection, and courtesy of lamentable service by Virgin Media to get me reconnected.  What was supposed to take no more than 48 hours ended up taking more than 5 days, and there is still some question as to how robust my connection currently is.

Anyway, rant over, today I am posting a very basic cookie, shaped with a Moose cookie cutter.  I ‘stole’ this cookie cutter from my niece who wanted me to make some of the cookies.  I used the recipe which came with the cookie cutter and it is a very basic one.  But that is no bad thing.  Of course the thing to remember is that having made the dough it can be used with any cutters to make the cookies.

They tasted very good, and I frosted some which gave them an even better taste.  This basic recipe will be my ‘go to’ one for cookies.  In fact I shall probably make some dough and freeze it to always have some on hand.

                                                      Moose Cookies – Video

Ingredients:
For the cookies:

• 225g softened unsalted butter
• 320g plain flour
• 130g caster sugar
• 1 medium egg (large in USA)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the frosting:

• 100g icing sugar
• 15g softened butter
• 1 tbs milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 drop of lemon extract(optional)

Method:

1. In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar together until nice and fluffy( I used my hand mixer)
2. Add the vanilla extract and egg and mix to combine.
3. Add the flour and salt and mix until combined and clumping together nicely.
4. Turn the dough out onto some plastic wrap and form a disc.
5. Wrap it up and chill in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours.
6. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/350F
7. Line a couple of baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
8. Roll the dough out to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
9. Cut out the cookie shapes you wish and transfer to the baking trays.
10. Roll remaining dough again and cut out more cookies as before.
11. Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until they are just beginning to colour.
12. Remove from the oven and allow to cook, transferring onto a wire rack after a couple of minutes.
13. If required make some frosting by mixing together all the icing ingredients until you have a nice, thick paste.  
14. Spread the icing on the cookies and allow to set.