Christmas Orange-Saffron Stamp Cookies

As the festive cheer of Christmas fills the air, what better way to indulge in the season's joy than by baking a batch of delightful Orange-Saffron Stamp Cookies? These cookies are not just treats; they are a fusion of traditional holiday flavors with a hint of exotic saffron, making them perfect for your holiday gatherings or as a special homemade gift.

Ingredients for a Festive Bake

• 2 tablespoons of milk
• ½ teaspoon of saffron threads, finely ground
• ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter
• 3 ounces of softened cream cheese
• ¾ cup of densely packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of grated orange peel
• 2 cups of standard flour

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

1. Start by blending milk and ground saffron in a small, microwave-friendly bowl or cup. Heat in the microwave on high for about 30 seconds until it's just warm. Put this aside for now.
2. In a spacious bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the butter and cream cheese together on a medium to high setting for half a minute.
3. Introduce the brown sugar, vanilla extract, orange peel, and the previously prepared saffron-infused milk to the mixture. Continue to mix, ensuring to occasionally free any mixture stuck to the sides of the bowl.
4. Gradually add in the flour, mixing as much as possible with the electric mixer. Any remaining flour should be manually stirred in with a wooden spoon.
5. Cover the dough and let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour, or until it's sufficiently firm to handle.

Creating Your Festive Cookies

6. Roll the dough into small balls, about an inch in diameter. Place these balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

7. Flatten each ball to a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Use a cookie stamp, the bottom of a glass, or a fork to imprint your desired pattern onto each cookie. Tip: Dip your stamping tool in granulated sugar to prevent sticking.
8. Bake your cookies in a preheated oven at 350° Fahrenheit for 9 to 11 minutes. The cookies should be firm at the edges and lightly browned underneath.
9. Once baked, transfer them to a cooling rack.

Storing Your Holiday Delights

10. To store, layer the cookies between waxed paper sheets in an airtight container. These can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or frozen for as long as three months.

A Sweet End to Your Festive Preparations

These Orange-Saffron Stamp Cookies, with their unique blend of flavors and festive appearance, are sure to be a hit at any Christmas celebration. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply want to enjoy a festive treat with your loved ones, these cookies will bring a touch of warmth and joy to your holiday season. Happy baking and happy holidays!