Martha Stewart's Cookies: The Very Best Treats to Bake and to Share (Martha Stewart Living Magazine) [Paperback]

Martha Stewart Living Magazine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 11, 2008 | Series: Martha Stewart Living Magazine

The perfect cookie for every occasion.

Cookies are the treat that never disappoints. Whether you’re baking for a party or a picnic, a formal dinner or a family supper–or if you simply want something on hand for snacking–there is a cookie that’s just right. In Martha Stewart’s Cookies, the editors of Martha Stewart Living give you 175 recipes and variations that showcase all kinds of flavors and fancies. Besides perennial pleasers like traditional chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin, there are other sweet surprises, including Rum Raisin Shortbread, Peppermint Meringue Sandwiches with Chocolate Filling, and Lime Meltaways.

Cleverly organized by texture, the recipes in Martha Stewart’s Cookies inspire you to think of a classic, nostalgic treat with more nuance. Chapters include all types of treasures: Light and Delicate (Cherry Tuiles, Hazelnut Cookies, Chocolate Meringues); Rich and Dense (Key Lime Bars, Chocolate Mint Sandwiches, Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies); Chunky and Nutty (Magic Blondies, Turtle Brownies, White Chocolate-Chunk Cookies); Soft and Chewy (Snickerdoodles, Fig Bars, Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies); Crisp and Crunchy (ANZAC Biscuits, Chocolate Pistachio Biscotti, Almond Spice Wafers); Crumbly and Sandy (Cappuccino-Chocolate Bites, Maple-Pecan Shortbread, Lemon-Apricot Sandwiches); and Cakey and Tender (Lemon Madeleines, Carrot Cake Cookies, Pumpkin Cookies with Brown-Butter Icing).

Each tantalizing recipe is accompanied by a lush, full-color photograph, so you never have to wonder how the cookie will look. Beautifully designed and a joy to read, Martha Stewart’s Cookies is rich with helpful tips and techniques for baking, decorating, and storing, as well as lovely gift-packaging ideas in standout Martha Stewart style.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

MARTHA STEWART LIVING magazine was first published in 1990. Since then, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine’s editors. MARTHA STEWART is the author of dozens of bestselling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the popular daily syndicated television show.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Rum Raisin Shortbread
 
*Makes about 4 1/2 dozen*
 
This crumbly shortbread is studded with dried currants, which are tiny
raisins made from Zante grapes. The currants must be soaked overnight,
so you'll need to plan your craving a day in advance.
 
    * 1/2 cup dark rum
    * 1 cup currants
    * 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
    * 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
    * 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
    * 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    * 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    * 3/4 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut
    * 1 teaspoon coarse salt
 
1. Combine rum and currants in an airtight container; let sit at room
temperature overnight. Drain; reserving 2 tablespoons rum.
 
2. Put butter, confectioners' sugar, and zest in the bowl of an electric
mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until creamy and smooth,
about 2 minutes. Add vanilla and reserved rum. Beat well, scraping down
the sides of the bowl as necessary. Reduce speed to low. Add flour,
coconut, and salt, and beat for 3 minutes. Stir in currants by hand.
Divide dough in half and form each into a log about 1/2 inches in
diameter; wrap in parchment, and refrigerate 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
 
3. Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove dough from parchment; slice into
1/4-inch-thick rounds. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets,
spacing about 1 inch apart. Bake until pale golden, about 20 minutes,
rotating sheets halfway through. Transfer to wire racks to cool
completely. Cookies can be stored in airtight containers at room
temperature up to 1 week.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Clarkson Potter; 1st edition (March 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307394549
• ISBN-13: 978-0307394545
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.8 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (164 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,157 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Expert Advice > Martha Stewart
  • #8 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Baking > Cookies
  • #57 in Books > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Baking > Desserts