DUTCH CHRISTMAS COOKIES RECIPES

Steps:

• For the cookies: Using a stand mixer, cream the shortening, granulated sugar, orange peel and vanilla thoroughly, about 2 minutes. Add in the egg and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 more minute. Add in the milk and mix.
• Sift the flour, baking powder and salt together, and then blend into the cream mixture. Divide the dough in half (thirds if you double your recipe), slightly flatten between 2 sheets of waxed paper and refrigerate for 1 hour (or freeze for 20 minutes).
• Roll out the dough 1/4-inch thick on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter. Transfer the shapes to lightly greased cookie sheets and chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
• For the egg yolk glaze: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. While the dough is chilling, combine the egg yolk, 1 teaspoon water and food coloring. Paint the cookies (with a soft brush) with the egg yolk glaze.
• Bake the cookies for 6 to 7 minutes. Do not allow the cookies to brown. The cookies will be slightly puffed and the glaze will look crackled. Bake in 2 batches if you don't reroll the scraps.
• For the decorative white icing: While the cookies are baking, mix the powdered sugar, milk and egg whites. Make sure that it is thick and somewhat retains its shape.
• Remove the cookies from the oven to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Then, using a pastry bag or zip-top bag, pipe the cookies with the white icing to decorate.

Steps:

• Position oven racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
• Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder in a medium bowl. In a stand mixer or large bowl using a hand mixer, cream the butter for 1 minute. Add the sugar and cream for an additional 3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla and egg. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients until uniform, then add enough of the half-and-half (about 2 tablespoons) to moisten the dough and make it soft (but not wet). Fold in the sprinkles and 2/3 cup of the white chocolate chips. 
• Roll rounded teaspoons of dough into 24 balls and put on the prepared baking sheets. Chill the remaining dough in the refrigerator. Dip your fingertips into the remaining half-and-half and use them to slightly flatten the top of each cookie.   
• Bake until the cookies are set on top and light golden brown around the edges, about 15 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Allow the baking sheets to cool, then line them with new parchment and repeat the forming and baking process with the remaining dough. 
• Once the cookies are all baked and cooled, put the remaining 1 cup white chocolate chips in a small heatsafe bowl and microwave on high, stirring halfway through, until just melted, about 1 minute. Use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate over the cookies. Allow the chocolate to set before serving, about 30 minutes. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.