Taste Maker: Tree Trunk Cookies
Celebrate Earth Day with a sweet treat!
Ingredients:
10 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature, divided
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg white divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
raw sugar for sprinkling
Directions:
Beat 8 tablespoons of the butter and all of the confectioner's sugar till light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and add the whole egg and the vanilla. Beat again and scrape down the sides. Add the flour, salt and baking powder and beat once more. Remove one-third of the dough and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the mixer. Beat again and transfer to a floured work surface. Return the reserved one-third dough, add the cocoa powder and beat till combined.
Divide the plain dough in half and shape into a 4 - 5" square. Do the same with the chocolate dough. Stack, alternating the squares, and press to seal. Cut in half and gently roll/knead each half into a ball. Stack the balls and roll/knead again into a ball. Gently roll into a 12" log, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for at least an hour.
Beat the egg white with 1 teaspoon of water. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper.
Sprinkle the raw sugar on a worksurface in a line about 12" long. Brush the log with the egg white mixture and roll in the raw sugar. Cut into 1/4" thick slices and place on your 2 sheet pans. Freeze for 30 minutes.
Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees.
Bake the cookies till golden brown, 8 - 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.