Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Feel free to substitute the mini chocolate chips with raisins or omit them entirely if preferred. You can also experiment with natural food colorings for a more organic approach, something I learned during my culinary explorations in European markets, where fresh and natural ingredients are celebrated.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Divide the dough into two portions. Tint one portion with red food coloring and the other with green food coloring, kneading until the color is evenly distributed.
- Roll the red dough into a log about 1 inch in diameter and wrap it with the green dough, pinching the seams to seal.
- Slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and press mini chocolate chips into the red part of the cookie to resemble watermelon seeds.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
As you bake, remember the joy of creation my mother always emphasized. Cooking is as much about expression as it is about following a recipe. Feel free to let your intuition guide you, just as I learned from her spirited improvisations in our family kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International