Name: Soft Batch Back-to-School Cookies: Lunchbox Treat
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 4 h 12 min
Yield: 36
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 1 cup white sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3.75 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 0.25 cup heavy cream; 1 pinch fine sea salt; 0.5 cup confectioners' sugar, or as needed; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, or as needed; Assorted food coloring gels

Celebrate the start of a new school year with these delightful Back-to-School Cookies. Shaped like charming colored pencils, they're a sweet treat that brings a touch of fun to the learning season.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the white sugar and softened butter using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. (5 minutes)

02

Step

Add the eggs, one at a time, and vanilla extract; beat until well combined. (2 minutes)

03

Step

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the heavy cream, until a smooth dough forms. (5 minutes)

04

Step

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours, or preferably overnight. (2-3 hours)

05

Step

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

06

Step

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled cookie dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into strips approximately 2 1/2 inches long and 1/4 inch wide, tapering one end to form a point, resembling a pencil. (15 minutes)

07

Step

Carefully transfer the "pencil" cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie.

08

Step

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

09

Step

Remove from oven and transfer the parchment paper with cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

10

Step

In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar and lemon juice to create a thick icing. Add more confectioners' sugar if the icing is too thin, or more lemon juice if it's too thick. (5 minutes)

11

Step

Divide the icing into several small bowls, and tint each bowl with a different color of food coloring gel.

12

Step

Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate the "pencil" cookies with the colored icing to resemble colored pencils. Use a toothpick or fine brush for detailed decorations. (20 minutes)