Basket Weave Mitten Sugar Cookies

STEP 1

Heat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside.

STEP 2

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in small bowl; set aside.

STEP 3

Place sugar, cold butter, and 1/8 teaspoon red food color into bowl of heavy-duty stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Beat at medium speed until well combined. Add egg, vanilla and almond extract; beat until well mixed. Gradually add flour mixture, beating at low speed until just combined.  

STEP 4

Knead dough to incorporate crumbs and form a smooth dough. Remove half of dough from bowl.  Add 1/4 teaspoon red food color to dough remaining in bowl. Mix just until well combined. 

STEP 5

Roll out each section of dough on lightly floured surface into rectangle that is slightly thicker than 1/8-inch. Cut rectangles into 3/4-inch strips. Weave red dough with pink dough, leaving no space in between, to create a basket weave pattern (use same technique as a lattice top pie). Gently press together using rolling pin.

STEP 6

Cut weaved dough using 2 1/2-inch mitten-shaped cookie cutter dipped into flour.  Using small metal spatula, place onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack.  

STEP 7

Use remaining dough to create marbled cookies. Gently press dough together. Roll out to 1/8- to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with mitten-shaped cookie cutter. Place onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.