PILLSBURY SLICE AND BAKE CHRISTMAS COOKIES RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 (8x4-inch) loaf pans with shortening or cooking spray. In large bowl, beat brown sugar and butter with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs; beat well. In small bowl, stir molasses, water and baking soda until well mixed; beat into brown sugar mixture.
• Gradually stir in flour and remaining bread ingredients until well blended. Spoon batter evenly into pans.
• Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on cooling rack 15 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
• In small bowl, stir together powdered sugar and enough lemon juice for desired consistency. Brush glaze over cooled loaves. Wrap tightly and store in refrigerator.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• In a medium bowl, cream together butter and white sugar until smooth. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Mix in flour until dough comes together. Roll dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Make a small hole in the center of each ball, using your thumb and finger, and fill the hole with preserves.
• Bake for 14 to 18 minutes in preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Let cool 1 minute on the cookie sheet.
• In a medium bowl, mix together the confectioners' sugar, 3/4 teaspoon almond extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle lightly over warm cookies.