Shaped Cookies

Purpose: This activity is suitable for older children (5-6-year-olds or older) who can work together in a small group and sustain attention for the time it takes to mix the dough.  In making the dough, the children will learn to follow directions in sequence and learn that printed words have a meaningful purpose.  Cutting the cookies offers an opportunity to learn about shapes.  The recipe can be used for any holiday or celebration. Simply use an appropriate set of cookie cutters and decorations for the occasion. White icing may be colored with a few drops of food coloring if desired. For example, add a few drops of red for Valentine's Day and use heart-shaped cookie cutters. 

 

Materials/Advance Preparation:

• a pictogram recipe chart for the recipe that follows:

  1 cup butter
  1 ½ cups sugar
  2 eggs
  1 tsp vanilla extract
  2 cups all-purpose flour
  1 tsp baking powder
  1 pinch salt
  icing (optional)
  edible decorations (optional)

• popsicle sticks for spreading icing (optional)
• cookie sheets and spatula
• cookie cutters
• oven for baking
• refrigerator for chilling dough (overnight)
• wire racks for cooling

Directions:

Refer to the pictogram chart throughout

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat
   in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
   Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually blend into the creamed
   mixture to form a soft dough. Cover or wrap dough, and refrigerate overnight.

2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). On a floured surface,
   roll the dough out 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes using cookie
   cutters. Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.  Be sure to allow the children to handle the dough and create imperfect shapes of cookies

3. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned.
   Cool on wire racks.

4. When cool they may be decorated if you wish.  Spread icing with popsicle sticks and decorate with raisins, M&M's, sprinkles, etc. as appropriate.

Note:  For younger children, you may want to mix, chill, and roll the dough in advance, letting the children focus their activity on naming and cutting the shapes.

 

Eric Gidseg

 

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