Pandemic Celebration (Oxymoron) Cookies

Pandemic Celebration Cookies!

(aka Oxymoron Cookies)

Plan ahead: The dough must be refrigerated for two hours or up to three days prior to baking.

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/4 kosher salt

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

Buttercream frosting

In a medium bowl mix together the flour, salt and baking powder. Set aside.

Using a mixer beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla beating until combined. Gradually add the four mixture until combined. Shape the dough into a disk about an inch thick, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate a minimum of two hours or up to three days.

Preheat oven: 350° F.

If you prefer large cookies: Divide the dough into four rounds. Roll to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Transfer to parchment lined baking sheet leaving 2 inches between the cookies.

If you prefer 3 inch cookies: Roll the dough and cut out with a cookie cutter. Rerolling and scraps and cutting, as needed.

Larger cookies are baked 15-18 minutes.

Smaller cookies are baked about 10 to 12 minutes.

Bake until puffed and set but still soft when gently pressed in the center.

Transfer cookies to racks to cool.

Using a small spatula frost the cookies with buttercream and sprinkle with nonpareils or with colorful turbinado sugar.