Christmas Light Cookies

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients and preheat the oven to 375 F.

2. Step 2

   Using an electric mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla thoroughly.

3. Step 3

   Add in the egg and beat until light and fluffy.

4. Step 4

   In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients.

5. Step 5

   Blend the dry mixture into the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk.

6. Step 6

   Divide dough in half and place each half in a plastic bag to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

7. Step 7

   Roll out each dough ball into 1/3-inch sheet.

8. Step 8

   Cut out circles using a biscuit cutter or the lip of a juice glass and place onto a parchment lined cookie sheets. You will need to bake the cookies in batches and can re-roll the scraps into another sheet. 

9. Step 9

   Bake for approximately 6 minutes. Do not allow the cookies to brown.

10. Step 10

    Remove the cookies from the cookie sheets and place on a rack to cool. 

11. Step 11

    Divide the can of frosting into two bowls. In the second bowl, add black food coloring and stir to combine the frosting with the food coloring. 

12. Step 12

    Once the cookies are completely cooled, frost them with the white vanilla frosting. 

13. Step 13

    Place the black frosting into a icing bag with a small round whole tip. Pipe the black frosting close to the edge of each cookie swirling and twirling it to create the tangled string part of the christmas lights.  

14. Step 14

    While the frosting is still wet add the mini M&Ms to the black string, alternating the colors and leaving space in between each candy.  

15. Step 15

    Leave out for Santa or enjoy for yourself!