December 8, 1954 Christmas Cookies Part 3 Children's Christmas Cookies, Easy Basic Home-Made Mix, Easy Date-Nut Bars, Crisp Molasses Balls, Fudge Drops, Pecan Puffs

Children's Christmas Cookies

Sweet but not too rich. Perfect to decorate.

1 c. shortening

2 c. sugar

6 T. milk

2 t. vanilla

3 eggs, beaten

5 1/2 c. cake flour

1 t. salt

3 t. baking powder

Cream shortening, add sugar gradually and cream well. Add milk and vanilla to beaten eggs. Sift all dry ingredients together, add alternately with liquids to creamed mixture. Chill dough. Roll out small portions at a time to 1/4 inch thickness, on floured pastry cloth. Cut with fancy cookie cutters. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool, decorate.

Easy Basic Home-Made Mix

for 4 different type of cookies

5 c. flour

1 pound shortening

1 T. salt

Combine flour, salt in a large bowl. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles fine meal and some of the pieces of fat are the size of small peas. Store in a covered container.

Easy Date-Nut Bars

1/2 c. basic mix

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/4 t. baking powder

1 egg

1 T. milk

1 t. vanilla

1 c. chopped dates

1 c. chopped nuts

Sift together basic mix, brown sugar, baking powder. Combine, milk, egg and vanilla. Add to first mixture. Add dates and nuts. Pour into well greased 8 x 8 pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar or ice with orange butter icing. Cool slightly before cutting into strips. Makes 1 1/2 dozen.

Crisp Molasses Balls

2 c. basic mix

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 1/2 t. soda

1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. cloves
1/2 t. ginger
1 egg well beaten
3 T molasses

Stir together basic mix, brown sugar, soda, and spices. Combine egg and molasses. Mix well. Chill dough. Mold into 1 inch balls. Brush tops with water; dip in sugar. Place balls 3 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

Fudge Drops

 2 c. basic mix
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 t. soda
1 egg
1 1/2 squares chocloate
1/2 c. milk
1 t. vanilla
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Stir together basic mix, sugar, and soda. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Drop by teaspoon on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool. Ice if desired with your favorite chocolate icing. Makes 3 1/2 dozen.

Pecan Puffs

2 c. basic mix
1/2 c. confectioners sugar
1 t. vanilla
3/4 c. chopped nuts

Stir together basic mix and confectioners sugar. Add vanilla and chopped pecans. Blend well. Dough will be somewhat crumbly. If necessary, add a few drops of water to blend. Mold into 1-inch balls. Place on cookie sheet which has been lightly greased. Bake 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Roll in confectioners sugar immediately after baking. Makes 2 dozen puffs.