The Year of the White Elephant

Hello sweet friends!

Would you agree that the year 2020 has been like one horrific white elephant gift to all of humanity? 2020 has had all the characteristics of a typical white elephant gift but with none of the fun. A global pandemic, lost lives, lost jobs, economic crisis, social distancing, homeschooling, no fun, no play, no travel, no hugs, riots in the streets, social unrest, and a wack-tastic presidential election to top it all off. Good gracious, ring that bell and drop that ball because 2021, WE ARE READY.

So in (dis)honor of the year of the white elephant, we decided to whip up a batch of white elephant sugar cookies. These cookies are really great for an actual in person (gasp) white elephant party that you may have the privilege of attending one day. In the meantime, these sweet little cookies are a delicious departure from your traditional Christmas tree, candy cane and wreath cookies you always see this time of year. All you need is an elephant cookie cutter, about 45 minutes, and a great cookie recipe like this!

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Best Ever Cut-Out Cookies – The Only Cut-Out Recipe You’ll Ever Need.

Ingredients

• 1 cup room temperature butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Combine sugar and butter.

2. Add eggs and combine.

3. Stir together flour, baking powder and salt.  Add to the mixture and combine.

4. Add vanilla and milk.

5. Place the cookie dough on wax paper and let sit in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour.

6. Once chilled, roll out onto a floured surface and cut into shapes.

7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

8. Place on a parchment paper covered cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden brown.

9. Once cooled, decorate with royal icing or glaze.

Friends, it really has been a white elephant kind of a year, but we are so fortunate to have made it this far. What a great time to slow things down, count our blessings, and bake some sweet memories (safely) together. 🙂 I am so thankful for all of you, and hope this recipe gives you and your loved ones a pinch of comfort and joy this holiday season.