HAYSTACK COOKIES PIONEER WOMAN RECIPES

Steps:

• For the cookie: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the granulated sugar, butter and shortening. Add the eggs 1 at a time, mixing well between additions. Add the vanilla extract and vanilla seeds and mix well. Add the sour cream and mix until just combined. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and beat on low until just mixed through; the dough will be sticky. Shape into a rectangle and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment or silicone baking mats.
• Roll out the dough on a generously floured piece of parchment to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into 2 1/2-inch rounds. Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheets. If the dough becomes too sticky and hard to work with, move it to the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up, then continue rolling and cutting. Bake until the cookies are puffed and cooked through but have not taken on any color, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove the cookies to a wire rack to cool.
• For the frosting: When ready to decorate, make the frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar and salt and beat on medium until smooth and fluffy. Add the heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until the frosting is fairly thick. Add the gel paste and stir to evenly combine.
• Use a butter knife to spread the frosting on the cookies, then decorate with 3 cinnamon imperials in the center of each cookie. Leave overnight to set.

Steps:

• For the cookie dough: Cream together the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the vanilla and egg and continue to mix until well incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and nutmeg until well combined. With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture slowly until incorporated and the dough has come together. Cover and chill for 15 for 20 minutes.
• For the filling: Tip the dough out onto a floured surface. Roll out into a 16-by-8-inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Pour over the melted butter and, using your hands, spread the butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle over the cinnamon and then the granulated sugar. Starting with the long edge, carefully roll the dough tightly, just as you would with cinnamon rolls, and pinch the seam together when you reach the end. Cut the log in half. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap, put on a baking sheet and chill until firm, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
• Unwrap the cookie dough and transfer to a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut the logs into 1/2-inch pieces. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets and bake until set and the edges begin to brown slightly, 12 to 13 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool.
• For the glaze: Meanwhile, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, milk and melted butter in a large bowl until smooth. Add the maple extract and taste. Add more confectioners' sugar or butter as needed; the glaze should be thick but still pourable. Drizzle the glaze back and forth over the cookies and allow to set before serving, 10 to 12 minutes.