Photography by Hudi Greenberger

Giant Lollipop Cookies

These cheerful and colorful cookie lollipops will bring smiles and sweetness (without sticking to your teeth!). It may take a couple of tries to learn this technique, but once you master it, you’ll get a thrill as you roll each cookie and see the swirl you create. (You can practice with Play-Doh!)

You will need:

• 1 recipe cookie dough, but use only 2 cups flour (see note)
• 4 skewers
• 5 food coloring colors

1. Divide the dough into five equal parts. Add a generous amount of food coloring to each part and mix well. Roll each color into four even balls. Each cookie will need one ball of each color.
2. Arrange the balls in a flower shape. Squeeze the five balls together gently to form a ball, as shown in the picture.
3. Place the ball in the palm of your left hand. (If you’re left-handed, place it in your right hand.) Slightly cup your hand. Place your other hand on top and roll the ball in a rotating movement between your hands to create a swirl.
4. You can decide if you prefer the look of the top of the swirl or the bottom of the swirl. Flatten slightly if desired.
5. Place on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Stick a skewer about halfway up the cookie and bake for 20–25 minutes till the bottom is slightly browned.
6. Allow to cool on a cooling rack.
7. Place cookie in cellophane and tie with ribbon.

Note: Any cookie dough can work for this, but the dough needs to be as soft as possible for it to swirl properly (soft but not sticky). For best results, don’t refrigerate the dough.

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 728)