My little group of mom friends takes turns hosting afternoon play group most weeks. Its as much for the kids as it is for the moms, really. Its nice to give the little ones a chance to interact and play with TOYS NOT THEIR OWN. Its also a great change of pace for the moms. I’m rather lucky that the group includes several talented bakers and snack providers…so there never seems to be a lack of treats to munch on.
They pair wonderfully with fresh fruit…which is great because I like to also offer a healthy munchy for the kiddos (and the moms too). In this case, watermelon. I’ve been buying these tiny “baby” watermelons at the store….yes, yes, I know they’re not local or in season here. But it must be high watermelon season in Honduras right now because these things are insanely delicious (and I’m a bit of a watermelon snob).2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 Tablespoons orange juice
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar for rolling the cookies
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine flour, cornmeal, cornstarch and salt in a small bowl. Whisk to combine and set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter, confectioners sugar, vanilla and orange zest. Beat for about 1 minute until creamy. Scrape sides of bowl then add half of the flour mixture and beat until just coming together. Next add the orange juice and the remaining flour and beat again just until mixed. Dough will be somewhat crumbly.
Place granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop a walnut-sized portion of dough and roll into ball. Roll ball in granulated sugar to lightly coat then place on a cookie sheet and press lightly with the bottom of a glass to create a silver-dollar sized cookie. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
Bake cookies in preheated oven until the undersides of the cookies are golden, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.
