Sparkle Cookie Cat Treat Towers
These elegant and delicious shortbread cookies, layered with a hint of lemon glaze, are designed to resemble delightful treat towers. Each buttery bite, adorned with sparkling sugar, is a sophisticated nod to playful feline friends.
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- 3
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms.
- 4
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out shapes.
- 5
Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheet. Re-roll scraps as needed.
- 6
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Do not allow them to brown too much.
- 7
While cookies cool completely on a wire rack, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- 8
If desired, divide the glaze into small bowls and tint with a drop of gel food coloring for different pastel shades.
- 9
Once cookies are completely cool, dip the top of each cookie into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
- 10
Immediately sprinkle the glazed cookies with coarse sparkling sugar for a beautiful shimmer.
- 11
Allow the glaze to set completely, about 30 minutes to an hour, before stacking them into delightful 'treat towers' for serving.