Sugar Cookie Presents

Directions

1. 1
   Combine butter and sugar in bowl; beat at medium speed until creamy.
2. 2
   Add egg, half & half and vanilla.
3. 3
   Continue beating, scraping bowl occasionally, until well mixed.
4. 4
   Add flour and baking powder; beat at low speed until combined.
5. 5
   Add food color, if desired; mix well.
6. 6
   Divide dough in half.
7. 7
   Shape each half into ball; flatten slightly.
8. 8
   Wrap each in plastic food wrap.
9. 9
   Refrigerate 1 hour.
10. 10
    Heat oven to 350F.
11. 11
    Roll out dough, one ball at a time, (keeping remaining dough refrigerated) on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
12. 12
    Cut into 16 (2 1/2-inch) squares.
13. 13
    Cut center out of half the squares using 1 3/4-inch cookie cutter.
14. 14
    Place cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
15. 15
    Bake 8-10 minutes or until cookies are set and just beginning to brown around edges.
16. 16
    Cool completely.
17. 17
    Melt candy coating according to package directions.
18. 18
    Spoon into resealable plastic food bag; snip off tip of one corner.
19. 19
    Assemble each box by piping candy coating around edges of solid cookie square; place cut-out cookie square on top, pressing lightly to adhere.
20. 20
    Pipe line of candy coating around edges of cut-out cookie; top with second cut-out cookie.
21. 21
    Repeat with remaining cookies.
22. 22
    Let stand 5 minutes or until candy coating is set.
23. 23
    Fill each cookie box with small candies.
24. 24
    Place solid cookie square on top to form lid.
25. 25
    Tie with ribbon or decorate, as desired.