sugar&cran cookie coins

Due to my involvement with various clubs at school- one will often find me at common places around campus sitting behind a table of delicious treats... yes, bake sales.  We love them but we hate them.  The love goes to yes, the amazing treats bought for the spare change in your pocket and supporting a cause. However the hate goes to the simple calories consumed, the mess the baker is left with in the kitchen, and the hate the individual(s) behind the table who must stare at them for hour (or longer) long shifts (thus eating several of the baked goods and ending up with no more change).

Anyways, after baking my fair share of various baked goods- from sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, rice krispies, skor bars, brownies, and cupcakes- I have found my favorite: sugar cranberry mini cookies- which I call "coins."  On a morning of a bake sale in December, I was watching television and there was a Martha Stewart special on cookies for the holidays- and I was influenced by her "Cranberry Noels (http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/cranberry-noels)."  While I have made a few alterations, these cookies have become a favorite on campus and with my family (especially during the holidays with all of the little cousins running around!).

For such deliciousness you will need:
two sticks of unsalted sugar, 3/4 of a cup of of confectioners sugar, two cups of all purpose flour, half a tspn of salt, one tsp of vanilla extract, and half a cup (or more) or dried cranberries.
beat all of these together in a bowl and with a wooden spoon (for some reason they taste better with a wooden spoon(?)- I have yet to learn why).  Once one mass, divide it into quarters.  Then with parchment paper- shape each quarter into a log and wrap it in the parchment paper- then let it chill for 30 minutes up to a day.   Once it is chilled and the oven has been preheated to 375 degrees F, using a sharp knife cut the log into 1/4 inch slices and place onto the parchment lined baking sheet.  Then place into the oven for 20-22 minutes.  Note: this recipe makes four dozen sugar& cranberry cookie coins and are highly addictive!

Whether you place these onto a plate for family and friends to enjoy a little snack, or wrap them into little baggies for bake sales (I put four in each little baggy)- they are sure to be a hit!  This recipe is little mess and very simple- thus is something everyone can enjoy!

Happy eating,
A