| MAPLE PECAN SANDWICH COOKIES |
|
|
|
Makes about 2 Dozen Sandwich Cookies Cookies 1-1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar 1 cup Butter Flavor CRISCO all-vegetable shortening or 1 Butter Flavor CRISCO Stick 2 eggs 1/4 cup maple syrup or maple-flavored pancake syrup 1 teaspoon maple extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus 4 tablespoons), divided 1-1/2 cups finely ground pecans 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 20 to 30 pecan halves (optional) Filling 1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar 3 tablespoons Butter Flavor CRISCO all-vegetable shortening 1 teaspoon maple extract Dash salt 2-1/2 teaspoons milk For cookies, place brown sugar and shortening in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs, syrup, maple extract, and vanilla; beat until well blended and fluffy. Combine 2-1/2 cups flour, ground pecans, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add gradually to shortening mixture, beating at low speed until well blended. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces; shape each into disk. Wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm Heat oven to 375ºF. Place sheets of foil on countertop for cooling cookies. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon flour on large sheet of waxed paper. Place disk of dough on floured paper; flatten slightly with hands. Turn dough over; cover with another large sheet of waxed paper. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out with floured 3-inch scalloped round cookie cutter. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet. Roll out remaining dough. Place pecans in center of half of cookies, if desired. Bake one baking sheet at a time at 375ºF for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned around edges. DO NOT OVERBAKE. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies to foil to cool completely. For filling, place confectioners' sugar, shortening, maple extract and salt in medium bowl. Beat at low speed until smooth. Add milk; beat until mixture is smooth. Spread filling on flat side of 1 plain cookie. Cover with flat side of second cookie with pecan. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling. Garnish as desired. |
