Crisco Wedding Cookies: Baking The Perfect Treats

Wedding cookies are a delightful treat, often served at bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and birthday parties. They come in various shapes and sizes, from Italian and Mexican wedding cookies to more intricate wedding dress cookies. These cookies are known for their soft, buttery texture and nutty flavour, with some recipes calling for pecans, walnuts, or almonds. The addition of Crisco gives them a unique twist, making them softer and chewier than traditional sugar cookies.

Making wedding cookies with Crisco is a straightforward process. The key steps include mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately, combining them, shaping the dough into balls, and baking them until lightly browned. The cookies can be decorated with icing, and the addition of almond extract can give them a distinctive wedding cake flavour. With their versatility and delicious taste, wedding cookies are a perfect choice for any celebration.

Choosing your cookie shape

Wedding cookies can be shaped in a variety of ways, depending on your preference and the type of wedding cookie you are making. Here are some options and considerations for choosing your cookie shape:

• Ball Shape: One popular option for wedding cookies is to shape them into balls. This shape is common for Mexican wedding cookies, Italian wedding cookies, and Russian tea cakes. To form the dough into balls, use about 1 teaspoon of dough for each cookie and place them 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. You can also roll the balls of dough in powdered sugar before baking to give them a decorative coating.
• Crescent Shape: Another option for shaping wedding cookies is to form the dough into crescents. This shape is often used for Italian wedding cookies and can add a elegant touch to your dessert table. Similar to the ball-shaped cookies, you can place the crescents 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet and bake until lightly browned.
• Cut-Out Shapes: If you want to get creative, you can use cookie cutters to cut out specific shapes from your rolled-out cookie dough. This method is perfect for bridal showers or themed wedding events. You can find various wedding-themed cookie cutters online or in specialty baking stores, such as dress-shaped cutters, heart shapes, or initials of the couple. Place the cut-out shapes on an ungreased baking sheet and bake according to your recipe instructions.
• Drop Cookies: If you prefer a more rustic and freeform approach, you can make drop cookies by dropping rounded tablespoons of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet. This method creates cookies with a more irregular shape, but they are equally delicious and perfect for a casual wedding event. Simply drop the dough onto the sheet and bake according to your recipe's instructions.
• Dressing Up Your Cookies: Regardless of the shape you choose, you can further decorate your wedding cookies with icing, luster dust, or edible decorations. Icing can be used to pipe on intricate details, and luster dust adds a subtle shimmer. You can also use silver dragees or coloured sprinkles to match the wedding theme.

Mixing the dough

To make wedding cookies with Crisco, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. Here's a detailed guide to mixing the dough:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For the cookie dough, you'll need Crisco, butter, powdered sugar, eggs, water, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, and salt. Ensure you have all the ingredients measured out and ready to go.

Next, you'll want to mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the Crisco and butter using a mixer until they are well incorporated and have a creamy consistency. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until the mixture is smooth. After that, add the eggs, water, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until everything is well blended and there are no lumps.

Now it's time to incorporate the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on a low speed until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough at this stage.

Once all the ingredients are mixed, it's important to form the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator for chilling. This step is crucial as it helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and roll out. The ideal chilling time is around an hour, but you can adjust this as needed.

After the dough has chilled, you can preheat your oven to the required temperature, which is typically between 325°F and 375°F. The specific temperature will depend on the recipe you are following, so be sure to refer to it for the best results.

Remember, when it comes to mixing the dough, it's important to follow the measurements and instructions closely. This will ensure your wedding cookies turn out perfectly!

Rolling and cutting the cookies

Once you've prepared your dough, it's time to roll it out and cut out your cookies. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Roll the dough: Place one piece of dough at a time on a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll it out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. If your dough is sticky, you can dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
• Cut the cookies: Use a 2- to 3-inch cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the rolled-out dough. Dip the cutter in flour before each cut to prevent sticking. Place the cut-out cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
• Re-roll scraps: Gather the dough scraps and repeat the rolling and cutting process until you've used up all the dough.
• Chill the cut-out cookies: Before baking, place the baking sheets with the cut-out cookies in the refrigerator to chill for about 10 minutes. This will help the cookies retain their shape during baking.
• Bake: Follow the baking instructions for your specific recipe. For example, the oven temperature for Wedding Cake Cookies is 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and the baking time is 6-8 minutes. Adjust the temperature and timing according to your chosen recipe.
• Cool: Once the cookies are baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up and prevent them from falling apart when handled.

By following these steps, you'll be able to roll, cut, and bake your wedding cookies with Crisco beautifully and efficiently.

Baking the cookies

Now that you've prepared your dough, it's time to bake your wedding cookies! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is a common temperature for baking cookies, and it will ensure your cookies bake evenly.
• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent your cookies from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easier.
• Form the dough into balls or desired shapes. For traditional wedding cookies, you can roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheets. If you're making wedding dress cookies, you can use a wedding dress-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the dough.
• Bake the cookies for 6-20 minutes, depending on their size. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't over-bake. The cookies are done when they are lightly browned or just starting to brown on the tops and edges.
• Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool. Place the baked cookies on a wire rack or a plate to cool. This will take about 10-15 minutes. If you're making Mexican wedding cookies, roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm. This will give them a delicious coating of sugar.
• Decorate the cookies (optional). If you're making wedding dress cookies or other decorative cookies, you can use royal icing to pipe designs and details onto the cookies. You can also add luster dust to give them a shimmery finish.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container. These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Remember, the most important part of baking cookies is to have fun and be creative! Enjoy the process and don't be afraid to experiment with different shapes, decorations, and flavors. Happy baking!

Decorating the cookies

Once your wedding cookies are baked, it's time to decorate them! Decorating your cookies is a fun and creative process that can really make them stand out. Here are some ideas and tips to help you get started:

Icing and Frosting:

The most popular way to decorate wedding cookies is by using icing or frosting. You can make your own icing by mixing together butter and powdered sugar until smooth, then adding your desired flavour and food colouring. You can pipe on intricate details using royal icing, or flood the cookies with a base layer of icing and let it dry before adding more intricate details. You can also use store-bought icing or frosting if you prefer. Be creative with your colours and designs!

Edible Decorations:

There are many edible decorations you can use to enhance the appearance of your wedding cookies. Some popular options include silver dragees, pearl luster dust, and coloured sugars or sprinkles. You can also use fresh or dried flowers, such as rose petals or lavender, to add a natural and elegant touch.

Cookie Cutters and Shapes:

Using different cookie cutters can create a variety of shapes for your wedding cookies. Consider using dress-shaped or heart-shaped cookie cutters for a bridal shower or wedding-themed cookies. You can also use multiple cookie cutters to create layered designs or impress designs onto your cookies using impression mats.

Presentation and Packaging:

How you present and package your wedding cookies can also be a form of decoration. Consider placing them in decorative boxes or clear cellophane bags with custom labels or ribbons. You can also arrange them on a platter or cake stand, adding height and visual interest.

Practice and Experimentation:

Don't be afraid to experiment with different decorating techniques and ideas. Practice on a few cookies before committing to a large batch, and remember that imperfections add charm and character. Have fun with the process and don't stress too much about making them perfect!

Frequently asked questions