Best Bushel Cookies Pennsylvania Dutch Recipes

SAND TART COOKIE RECIPE, PA DUTCH COOKIES

Steps:

• Cream butter, add sugar and beat until fluffy.
• Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well.
• Combine dry ingredients and add to butter mixture. Mix until combined.
• Wrap the dough into parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
• Preheat the oven to 350°.
• Spread the chilled dough onto a floured countertop. Roll it out to about 1/8" thick (adding flour as needed to keep the cookies from sticking).
• Using cookie cutters, cut them into shapes and carefully transfer the cookies to greased or parchment-lined baking sheets.
• Brush each cookie top with well-beaten egg wash.
• Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with cinnamon/sugar mixture and place a pecan or walnut halve on top, or sprinkle with chopped nuts. Or if you prefer, sprinkle the tops with Christmas sprinkles.
• Bake for 8 - 10 minutes. Let them rest for about a minute then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool.

BUSHEL COOKIES (PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH)

Steps:

• In a very large bowl, cream shortening and sugar together. Add eggs two at a time. Beat well.
• Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon) into another very large bowl.
• Grind raisins and nuts (for you modern-day cooks, use food processor) and add to sifted flour mixture.
• Add vanilla or orange peel and mix well.
• Drop onto ungreased cookie sheets. With a lightly dusted fork, press lightly to make a criss-cross pattern on each cookie.
• Bake at 375 F for 8-10 minutes or until cookie is golden around the edges.

PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH COOKIES KIFFELS

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, egg yolks and flour; beat until smooth.
• Shape into 1-inch balls; place in a container with waxed paper separating each layer.
• Cover and refrigerate overnight.
• FOR THE FILLING, combine walnuts and 3 3/4 cups sugar (the mixture will be dry).
• In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into nut mixture.
• Add extracts and a few drops of water if necessary until filling reaches a spreading consistency.
• Place remaining sugar in a bowl; roll cream cheese balls in sugar until completely covered.
• Place a few balls at a time between two sheets of waxed paper.
• Roll balls into 2 1/2-inch circles.
• Gently spread about 2 teaspoons of filling over each.
• Roll up; place seam side down on ungreased baking sheets.
• Curve the ends slightly.
• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Cool on wire racks.
• Yield: about 8 dozen.