Wizard of Oz "Dorothy" Checkerboard Cookies
Create a Wizard of Oz themed cookie platter with these checkerboard cookies inspired by Dorothy's gingham dress.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter (113g) 1 stick
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour (180g)
- 1-2 drops sky blue food coloring
- 1/4 tsp almond extract or vanilla extract
Instructions
- With an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream room temperature butter with sugar and salt.
- Add egg and extract of choice and continue beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully incorporated.
- Add in flour and gently mix until dough comes together.
- Divide cookie dough in half. Pat one half of the dough into a rectangular log, about 3 inches long and 2 inches tall and wide. Wrap in plastic wrap and set in the fridge to chill.
- Return the other half of the dough to the stand mixer or mixing bowl. Add blue food coloring and mix until the color is evenly dispersed.
- Pat the blue cookie dough into a rectangular log the same shape and size as the first - about 3 inches long and 2 inches high and wide. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge to chill for 20 minutes.
- When dough is firm to the touch, remove from the fridge. Slice each block of dough lengthwise into thirds, then rotate the block 90 degrees and slice into thirds again so you have nine 3 inch long strips of dough.
- Rearrange the strips of dough in alternating colors to get two rectangular blocks that form a checkerboard pattern (example: place blue, white, and then blue strips next to each other for the bottom layer. Then layer white, blue, and white for the middle, then layer another set of blue, white, and blue strips on the top layer). Wrap each block of dough in plastic wrap again and put back in the fridge to chill for another 10-20 minutes or until dough becomes firm again.
- While you are waiting for your dough to chill, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take out your chilled dough and slice crosswise into squares about 1/3 inch thick or about 7 slices per cookie dough block. Arrange the checkerboard cookie slices onto your prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-14 minutes or until cookies are slightly browned on the bottom and edges and lift from the tray. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
You can use a natural food dye such as butterfly pea powder, but the blue color may not be as vibrant or light in hue as using gel food coloring.