Blushing Leprechauns–Kool-Aid cookies

If you are looking for a special treat for St. Patrick's Day try these blushing leprechaun cookies.  Bright green lime flavored icing on a cherry flavored cookie are perfect for a fun holiday or baby shower dessert.  More modern than a traditional scone, they are lightly sweet and the kool-aide provides a puch of cherry lime.

The pink and green cookies came about for my niece’s baby shower.  I wanted more than a colored cookie,
so a package of cherry Kool-Aid became the flavor agent.  The icing is simply a ganache made with green candy melts also flavored with Kool-Aid for a cherry limeade combination.  They really turned out well and looked great at the party, then comes St. Patricks Day.  They are ready for a pinchless day with my little grands as blushing Leprechauns. That just makes me happy.

Cherry Sugar Cookies

Use a mixer or food processor to cream together:

• 3/4 Cup butter, softened
• 1/2 Cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 Cup powdered sugar

Add to bowl and continue to mix:

• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4-1/2 package unsweetened cherry Kool-ade (this is a strong flavor, taste before adding more)

Add a little at a time until incorporated well:

• 2 1/2 Cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Divide the dough into two logs and wrap with plastic.  Chill for at least an hour before slicing cookies into 1/2” slices.  Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 8-10 minutes at 350 F.

Lime Ganache

• 8 ounces Wilton candy melt or white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp out of package lime Kool-Ade (unsweetened)

Heat heavy cream in a quart size microwave safe bowl 3-4 minutes on high.  Stir in Kool-Ade.  Pour the hot cream over white chocolate chips and fold together gently until melted.  Use a spoon to pour the warm icing over the cookies and place on a wire rack to cool.   If you wish to make a lighter frosting like we used on our party cupcakes, allow the cream and chips to come to room temperature ( about 2 hours). Use a mixer and whisk on high for 2 to 3 minutes.

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