This slice-and-bake cookie is so easy and so colorful, it’s a must-add to your Christmas cookie trays!
2 cups butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 cups gumdrops, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup colored decorating sugars (or more, as needed)
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla, then add the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix until blended. Stir in the gumdrops. Divide the dough into quarters. On a lightly floured surface, roll each quarter into an 8-inch log.
Sprinkle 2 T. of the colored sugar on a sheet of waxed paper. Roll one of the logs in the sugar until the outside is coated, and then wrap the log in the waxed paper. Repeat with the remaining dough logs and chill until firm (at least 8 hours, or up to 3 days).
Heat the oven to 350º. Cover cookie sheets with parchment paper. Carefully cut each log into ¼-inch slices with a sharp knife. Place slices 1 inch apart on the baking sheets (put most colorful side up!) and bake until set but not browned, about 8-10 minutes. Cool cookies for a minute before moving them to a rack. Makes about 6 ½ dozen. Freezes well.
Kitchen Hints: Gumdrops are easier to cut if you spray your knife or scissors with cooking spray. I like to use “fruit slice” gumdrops because of their intense flavor. You can roll each dough log in a different color of decorating sugar to add variety.