Spring Garden Cookie Puzzle

Directions

1. 1
   Let cookie dough stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften. In a large bowl, beat cookie dough and flour until blended. On a parchment paper-lined surface, roll dough into a 14x11-in. rectangle. With cookie cutters, cut out puzzle shapes. Slide a
2. 2
   under the parchment paper and dough. Chill 10 minutes.
3. 3
   Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. Remove shapes and place on an ungreased
4. 4
   . Place an almond on its side into the center of each shape for a handle. Bake shapes 7-10 minutes or until edges are golden brown. While still warm, recut shapes with the same cookie cutters to form neat edges. (If cookies cool too quickly, warm in oven to soften.) Remove to wire racks; cool completely.
5. 5
   Bake large rectangular puzzle on a parchment paper-lined
6. 6
   12-16 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Immediately recut the shapes inside the puzzle to form neat edges. Cool completely on a wire rack.
7. 7
   In a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Frost puzzle and shapes with some of the frosting; decorate with sugars. Tint remaining frosting; pipe as desired. Place puzzle shapes inside puzzle.