Day 8: Sugar Gems

Snowy Sundays are the best Sundays. Especially because baking on Sundays when its snowing is so satisfying and relaxing. Today we are baking one of our most famous cookies, Sugar Gems. These are our "go-to" cookie that we bake for tailgates, parties, school functions, etc. Since we bake them so often throughout the year, we like to change them up a little during the holidays. We sprinkle them with peppermint crumbles and although this may seem only decorative, the peppermints infuses into the frosting that we top the cookie with and makes for a great festive treat! I actually prefer the peppermint sugar gems over the originals because the peppermint complements the sugar cookie very nicely. Anyone who likes the sugar cookies that can be bought at the grocery store will love these 1000x more. I cannot even express to you how much better these are and the peppermint makes them even more delectable.

My aunt made these cookies frequently and my entire family fell in love with them. My brother, especially, grew fond of them and wanted my mom to bake them for him. Although it took a little effort to convince my aunt to reveal her sacred recipe, my mom convinced her to do so. During "Snowmageddon" about four years ago, we were trapped in the kitchen for an entire week (how nostalgic that we happen to be making them again on a snow day). We tested these one time but they failed to turn out the way my aunt's did. We were determined to perfect these cookies that we re-made them three times. Yes, THREE TIMES. Most people, the first time, would just give up. But not us. And we found a way to perfect them. Since then, they have topped the charts of our cookie repertoire.

Aren't they beauties! Of course this is the unfinished product but they look pretty perfect even without the frosting!

Now here's how you make them!


Sugar Gems
Cream together:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup sugar
1 cup oil or melted butter (we use melted butter)
1 cup softened butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla

Add:
5 cups flour (we use between 4 1/2 or 5 cups, it depends)
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon salt (we use 1/2 teaspoon)
1 teaspoon baking soda

Mix all ingredients well. Refrigerate overnight or put into freezer until thoroughly chilled. Roll into golf size balls and roll the balls in sugar before placing them on a parchment covered baking sheet. Then slightly flatten the balls with the palm of your hand. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes (12 minutes works for us). Let them cool before frosting them.

Sugar Gem Frosting
2-2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup oil (we use softened butter)
2 teaspoons vanilla
3-4 tablespoons milk
Coloring if wanted

Mix well and add a little more milk or powdered sugar to get the perfect consistency. Frost cookies and sprinkle with peppermint crumbles.


Here's the finished product... Now don't they look so delicious!

The peppermint truly makes them look very festive. And by the way, please don't judge my photography skills. I already vented (kinda) on my lack of "the eye" for photography. 

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and cross your fingers for a snow day tomorrow! Maybe wear your pajamas inside out?! :)