Sugar Cookies 2

These are easier than the previous recipe and come out somewhat fluffy, but still hold their shape well. The dough rolls out nicely with minimal mess as long as it is kept cool.

makes about 3 dozen

1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room T
1.33 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
500 g GF flour mix (50% starch, 50% whole grain)
1 tsp xanthan gum
1.5 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
zest of 1 lemon (optional)
powdered sugar for rolling out the dough

Cream the butter, add the sugar, mix until fluffy
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing in between
Add the vanilla and mix well
In a separate bowl, measure out the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir.
Add the flour mixture to the butter/sugar/egg mixture and mix until incorporated.
Add the lemon zest (if desired).
Add more flour 25 g at a time if dough appears too sticky. It should be stiff.
Chill the dough for at least 2 hours, up to overnight (or freeze for later).

Roll out the dough: cover your surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar. Roll out to 1/4" thick. If the dough sticks to the counter, loosen it with a spatula before cutting out the cookies. Cut out the cookies with cookie cutters, place on parchment paper or a silpat on a pan. The cookies do not spread. Decorate, if desired.
Bake cookies at 375 for 6 minutes. They should be golden brown on the bottom, but otherwise not browned.

Vanilla Cake

Recipe makes about 12 cupcakes or one 8 or 9" round layer. Double the recipe to make an 11x13" cake.

1 stick butter, room temperature
1.5 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
150 g flour mix (about 1.25 cups, 50% whole grain and 50% starch0
1.25 tsp xanthan gum
0.25 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 c buttermilk (or 0.5 c plain yogurt plus 2 Tbsp milk)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Cream the butter, add the sugar, then add eggs one at a time beating after each addition. Add vanilla and mix well.
3. Stir the dry ingredients together (flour, xanthan gum, baking soda, baking powder, salt), then add 1/3 of the mixture to the butter/sugar. Mix well.
4. Add half the buttermilk or yogurt. Mix well. Add 1/2 the remaining flour, mix. Add the remaining buttermilk or yogurt and milk, mix. Add remaining flour, mix.
5. Prepare the pan, either with cupcake papers or oil and flour. Pour/scoop the batter into the pan, it will be very thick.
6. Bake at 350 for 22 minutes (cupcakes) or 30-35 min for 8 or 9" round.