A Few Recipes for Holiday Baking

These are my absolute Tried and True recipes that are always a big hit with friends and family.

The Bestest, Softest, Sugar Cookie (Ciarra named these)
1 c. butter
1- 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. lemon extract (this is a must)
2 &3/4 c. flour (all purpose)
2 tsp. cream of tarter
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Cream butter, sugar and eggs. Add vanilla and lemon extracts. Add dry ingrediants. Roll into small balls, flatten and bake 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

These come out soft so I don't use this recipe for making shaped cookies. They taste heavenly!

Best Homemade Brownies
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 sticks butter, melted (can substitute margerine)
2 TBS water
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/3 cup flour
3/4 cup powdered baking cocoa
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
powdered sugar (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9"x13" baking pan.Mix the sugar, butter, and water together. Add the eggs and vanilla and stir. In a seperate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Stir into the wet mixture. Stir in nuts, if desired. Spread batter into baking pan.Bake for 18-25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if you want.