Paula Deens Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipes

Steps:

• To make the cookies - in a large bowl, beat butter and next 3 ingredients at medium speed with a mixer until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each additon.
• In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, beating until combined. Cover dough with plastic and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• On lightly flour surface roll dough to 1/4" thickness. Cut dough with desired cutters. Reroll dough scraps and cut out cookies until all dough has been used.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Let cool on pans for 2 miutes and then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
• To make Royal Icing - In a small bowl, whisk water and meringue powder until foamy. Gradually add confectioners sugar, whisking until smooth. Divide into small bowls and tint with food coloring pastes, stirring to achieve desired colors.
• Decorate cookes as desired with Royal Icing, dragees and sugar sprinkles.
• Store in airtight containers for up to 1 week.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a large bowl cream the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Beat in egg. Then add in the vanilla.
• Add in the cake mix mixing in well. Dough will be VERY stiff. (if using a hand mixer be careful)
• Cover and refrigerate 2 hours until firm enough to roll into balls.
• Roll the chilled dough into tablespoon sized balls.
• Roll in confectioner's sugar.
• Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.
• Bake 12 minutes.
• (The cookies will remain soft and look somewhat under-baked.).
• Allow to slightly cool and very carefully remove to wire racks to cool. (they are very delicate and tend to fall apart easily).
• Cool completely. Sprinkle with more confectioners sugar if desired.