Michelle Obama Gives Us The Perfect Halloween Cookie Recipe

There are renaissance women, and there's Michelle Obama, who's literally in a league of her own. Our FLOTUS isn't only an exemplary professional role model for all women, she's also down to have fun, laugh at herself, and get dirty with the kids. Turns out she harbors a bit of a sweet tooth, too, despite also actively seeking a solution to childhood obesity. Hey, it's all about balance, and sometimes that means choosing to indulge. Halloween is certainly one of those times. In 2008, Obama baked these festive treats for Family Circle's now legendary "Presidential Cookie Recipe" series. She didn't take the grand prize, but her husband landed the Presidency — and these cookies are still certifiably delicious, so everyone wins.

Michelle Obama's Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:
1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 egg yolks
2 tbsp Amaretto (almond liqueur)
1 tsp each orange and lemon zest
3 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
¼ tsp salt
1 beaten egg white
Halloween-themed icing colors

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 325°F. Line a 17 x 12 x 1-inch baking pan with nonstick foil. In large bowl, cream together butter and 1 ½ cups of the sugar.
2. Slowly add egg yolks, and beat well until smooth. Beat in Amaretto and zest.
3. Stir in flour and salt until combined.
4. Spread dough evenly into prepared pan, flattening as smoothly as possible.
5. Brush top of dough with egg white and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar.
6. Bake at 325°F for 25 minutes or until brown, turn off oven and allow cookies to sit in oven (with door ajar) for 15 minutes. Use cookie cutters to cut into Halloween shapes while the cookies are still a bit warm.
7. Decorate with icing!

(Elizabeth St.)