Christmas Cookies - Chai Spice Cookie

I thought it would be appropriate to begin this food blog with Christmas Cookies! Tis the season to eat, eat, eat! I tried a new recipe that has quickly become a new favorite. I found it in the December issue of Better Homes and Gardens. Originally, these are called "Chai Spice Girls" because they are suppose to be cut with girl cookie cutters. I decided to use a round cookie cutter and after playing with the icing, I decided on the simple snowflake. These cookies are a huge hit! The downside? The recipe calls for a 3 hour chill for the dough. I only chilled for an hour and a half and it was fine.

Chai Spice Girls
Prep: 25 minutes Chill: 3 hours Bake: 12 minutes

Ingredients
2 spiced chai-flavored tea bags
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1-1/2 cups butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
2 Tbsp. molasses
1 recipe Powdered Sugar Icing

Directions
1. Remove tea bag contents (3 teaspoons); discard bags. In medium bowl combine tea, flour, and pumpkin pie spice; set aside.
2. In large mixing bowl beat butter on medium to high 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and molasses. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can; stir in remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover and refrigerate about 3 hours or until easy to handle.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. On lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time until 1/4-inch thickness. Cut dough with 4-inch gingerbread girl cutters.
4. Bake 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheets 2 minutes. Transfer to rack to cool completely. Decorate with Powdered Sugar Icing. Makes 18 to 20 cookies.
5. Powdered Sugar Icing: In medium bowl combine 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 4 teaspoons milk. Stir in additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until piping consistency.
6. To Store: Layer cookies between waxed paper is covered airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts
Calories 308,
Total Fat (g) 16,
Saturated Fat (g) 10,
Monounsaturated Fat (g) 4,
Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 1,
Cholesterol (mg) 64,
Sodium (mg) 112,
Carbohydrate (g) 39,
Total Sugar (g) 22,
Fiber (g) 1,
Protein (g) 3,