In a charming little town where autumn leaves painted the streets in shades of orange and gold, there lived a talented baker named Gigi. Known for her delightful creations, she decided to make something special for the fall festival: cranberry cookie sticks.
One crisp morning, Gigi set out to gather the finest ingredients. She picked fresh cranberries from the local farm, their vibrant red color promising a burst of tartness. Back in her cozy kitchen, she preheated her oven to 350°F (175°C), the warmth beginning to chase away the morning chill.
Gigi began by mixing 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. In another bowl, she creamed 1/2 cup of butter with 1/2 cup of sugar until it was light and fluffy. As she added one large egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, her kitchen was filled with the comforting scent of homemade goodness.
To the butter mixture, Gigi gently folded in the dry ingredients, creating a soft dough. Then, she stirred in 1 cup of fresh cranberries, chopped into small pieces, and a handful of chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
Gigi rolled out the dough on a floured surface, shaping it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. She cut the dough into slender sticks and placed them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. As they baked for about 15 minutes, the aroma of cranberries and spices wafted through the kitchen, blending with the crisp autumn air.
Once the cookie sticks were golden brown, Gigi let them cool before drizzling a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a splash of milk over them. She carefully sprinkled a bit of extra chopped cranberries on top for a final touch.
At the fall festival, Gigi’s cranberry cookie sticks were a sensation. Each bite offered a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a satisfying crunch. As she watched her friends and neighbors enjoy her cookies, Gigi felt a warm glow of happiness.
Her cranberry cookie sticks had become a beloved fall treat, embodying the essence of the season and the joy of sharing her passion with the community.
