Decorate a Cookie Family for Dad's Day

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Jun 11, 2012) - (Family Features)What better way to spoil dad on Father's Day than with a dessert made just for him? A sweet treat is a great way to say "thank you" to the most important man in your life. And, since it's his day, choose one that reflects what he loves most of all -- his family.

The celebration experts at Wilton have created a fun and memorable recipe just for the occasion -- Dad's Perfect Family Cookies. They're sure to put a smile on Dad's face.

Start with a basic buttery sugar cookie dough; roll and cut with boy, girl, dog and cat cutters. When the cookies are baked and cooled, it's time to paint the family portrait.

Kids will love decorating cutouts in each family member's likeness -- remember to decorate Dad using his favorite colors. Use Color Flow Icing -- special icing that makes it easy to outline and color almost any design -- to "dress" the cookies. Or for a convenient, ready-to-use option, try Cookie Icing -- simply heat in the microwave and squeeze onto cookies. Add personal touches with sparkling sugars, sprinkles, and other candies for outfits, buttons and jewelry.

Use these amazing cookies as fun place cards, or serve as dessert after Dad's celebratory meal. Pour him a cold glass of milk and let him relax and enjoy his special treat.

For more fun baking and decorating ideas, visit www.wilton.com.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg and extracts; mix well. Do not chill dough; divide into 2 balls. On floured surface, roll each ball into a circle approximately 12 inches diameter x 1/8 inch thick. Dip cookie cutter in flour before each use. Bake same-sized cookies together on ungreased cookie sheets 8 to 11 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool completely.

Prepare Color Flow Icing with confectioners' sugar, following package instructions. You can also substitute Cookie Icing if you prefer. Tint portions of icing a variety of colors with icing color. Outline cookies and "clothing" with full-strength icing; fill in with thinned icing. Immediately position sprinkles and sugars. Let set. Add hair, facial features, shoes, clothing and other details using full-strength icing. Let dry overnight.

Makes about 2-1/2 dozen cookies.

*Variation: Substitute Cookie Icing for tinted Color Flow Icing. Decorate as directed above.

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