The recipe is the basic Sugar Cookie recipe with some modifications. There is the addition of pumpkin spice, pumpkin puree (optional), and almond extract. The pumpkin flavor is subtle but not submissive. If you want to amp it up, just add more spice- not puree. The more puree you add, the more moist the dough, the harder it is to roll out. It will still bake, it's just harder to work with.
I've always wanted to make this spider-web design and finally had the occasion. I used Hello Cupcake as a reference point (thanks again G-Money!). To save time, I bought some cream cheese frosting from a can. Don't boo and hiss at me! It was a busy day! You can always use this Vanilla Buttercream and add pumpkin spice if you want to be hard core. Whatever frosting you use, make sure it holds well.
For the spider web, I used black decorating gel which you can find in any baking aisle. Again, you can be hardcore: melt some chocolate and add black food coloring. Trust me- in this instance, make your life a lil easier- just use the damn gel. You'll have more time to dress your cat up in ridiculous halloween costumes!
These cookies vanished. Plus they're hella cute. Be creative. Get that!Cookies
3/4 cup margarine
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons pumpkin spice (you be the judge, add more or less per your taste)
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (0ptional)
Frosting
Store bought vanilla/cream cheese; or
Vanilla Buttercream (sprinkle in some pumpkin spice for fun)
For the cookies....cream margarine and sugar. Add vanilla and eggs; combine well. In separate bowl, sift the baking powder, salt and flour. Add to wet ingredients slowly until thoroughly combined. Cookie dough must be chilled until firm.Remove dough from fridge and roll out to a 1/4-inch thickness. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
With cookie cutters or rim of drinking glass, cut out cookies. Place cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep on eye on them! There's no point if these cookies are burnt, so start circling the oven at the 7 minute mark.
Cool on wire rack.
For the frosting... frost the cookie however you please. Make sure it's nice and smooth. Using the gel, draw a spiraled circle staring from the inside and going out. This requires a steady hand, so relax.
Using a tooth pick, pull from the center to the outer edges in an even fashion.
