Green Cookies #CookieWorld

Ingredients:

2 sticks (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter (room temp.)
1 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 T. vanilla extract
Optional: 1 T. buttermilk
green gel food coloring
1 T. cocoa powder
1 t. salt
2 1/2 cups of flour

Additional flour for rolling
cookie cutters
Optional for finishing: about 1 cup of melted white chocolate, frosting, sugars or sprinkles, etc.

Procedures:

1. In a mixing bowl, (either by hand, or using a paddle attachment in a stand mixer), cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and mix well. Add the buttermilk, (if using), vanilla, and the cocoa powder. Start adding in some red gel coloring, (about 1/8 t. to start), and add as much as necessary to get the desired color you wish. Add in the salt, and about 1/2 the flour until dough begins to form. Mix in the rest of the flour.

2. Remove the dough from the bowl, form in a disc, and wrap in plastic wrap well. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 3-4 hours, or overnight.

3. When ready to roll out cookies, remove the dough from the refrigerator, and allow to set for about 10 minutes. Prep your cookie trays by lining them with parchment paper or a silicone mat. When ready, on a clean and floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2inch thick. Use additional flour if necessary. Cut out your cookies, and place them on the lined cookie trays. You could also dip the text side of the cookie in plain sugar for extra "sparkle"! Repeat until all dough has been used. Place the trays in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to chill.

4. Preheat oven to 350F. Remove the trays from the oven, and bake at 350F for 10-14 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

5. If you would like to add decorations, simply melt your chocolate according to package directions, place the melted chocolate in a parchment triangle, and pipe on whatever design you like! You could also use royal icing, or even purchased frosting in a can. You could give these away as gifts/ treats, or serve on a platter for a party, or store in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.