Spotlight Recipe: Holiday Sugar Cookies

In my family, Hanukkah is a favorite holiday where we light the menorah for eight days. This year, I''ll be hosting friends and family for three evenings of candle lighting and desserts. These Hanukkah-shaped cookies are on the menu, but you can create any holiday theme by using your favorite cookie cutters.

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hanukkah sugar cookies

When everyone thinks holiday cookies, they automatically assume Christmas, but Hanukkah can have its own special sweets, too. This year, I'm hosting friends and family for three evenings of candle lighting and desserts. Our spread will include these Star of David-shaped sugar cookies, which my family and I pep up with festive blue sprinkles; you can create any holiday theme by using your favorite cookie cutters and icing colors. These are chewy, not crunchy -- perfect for the younger kids in the family.

Hanukkah Sugar Cookies

Makes about 4 1/2 dozen cookies
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup orange juice
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons sprinkles

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, sugar and baking powder. In a separate large bowl, combine oil, orange juice, eggs and vanilla using an electric mixer on low speed. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients until dough forms and pulls away from the edge of the bowl. Cover and place dough in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray 2 to 3 baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness, cut to desired shapes and place an inch apart on cooking sheet. Top with sprinkles. Roll out the extra dough and repeat process until all cookies have been formed.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until edges are brown. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information (per cookie):
Calories: 71
Total Fat: 3.5 grams
Saturated Fat: 0 grams
Total Carbohydrates: 9.5 grams
Protein:  1 gram
Sodium: 13 grams
Cholesterol: 8 grams
Fiber: 1 gram

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