Ingredients:
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely ground hazelnuts
1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons apple juice
Blue food coloring
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl stir together flour, ground hazelnuts, poppy seeds (if using), and baking powder; set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl beat margarine and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until fluffy. Add egg and the 1 teaspoon vanilla; beat until combined. Add flour mixture; beat on low speed until combined. Cover and chill dough at least 3 hours or until easy to handle.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thickness. Using 2-inch cookie cutters, cut dough into desired shapes. Place cutouts about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake cookies in a 375 degree F (190 C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Cool on a wire rack.
5. For apple icing, in a medium mixing bowl stir together confectioners' sugar, the 1 teaspoon vanilla, and enough apple juice to make a glaze. Divide in half. Tint half of the icing with blue food coloring; leave other half white. Decorate cooled cookies with white and blue apple icing.
Makes about 36 cookies.
Source: DianasDesserts.com
Date: October 31, 2002