Pine Tree Cookies

Learn how to make the ultimate sugar cookies with a northern twist! Take it a step further & you can also decorate with these Vitamin C rich pine needles. A free, tasty ingredient you can forage even in the deepest of winter.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Flour
• 3/4 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1 cup Butter, softened
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 Egg
• 1 Tbsp Milk
• 1/4 cup (or more) Pine Needles, Chopped

Directions:

1. Sift together flour, baking powder & salt into a bowl. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, beat butter & sugar. Add egg & milk and combine.
3. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in portions. Add chopped pine needles & mix until dough forms.
4. Divide dough in half, wrap & chill for 2 hours in the fridge.
5. Preheat oven to 375F.
6. Sprinkle surface with icing sugar or flour to prevent sticking. Roll out dough to approx. 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes & place on a greased or parchment lined cookie sheet.
7. Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until edges start to become golden brown. Let sit for 2 minutes to cool before placing on a rack.
8. Decorate as desired! Sprinkle on more pine needles if you like.

Notes:

Evergreen trees with needles or scales are called conifers. There are many different kinds that grow all over the world.  You should always properly identify a plant before you use/eat it.

Most conifers are edible & usable, with one big exception which is Yew. Conifers tend to be high in Vitamins A & C. Pregnant & breastfeeding women should generally avoid most foraged plants to be safe.