Kerstkransjes (christmas Wreath Cookies)

If you?re off to The Netherlands for the holidays you will find that many
parts of a Christmas Tree are edible, namely the decorations. Kerstkransjes
are the traditional cookie decoration for many Dutch homes. Children are
encouraged to remove a cookie each night during the Twelve Days of
Christmas, or when they have been particularly good during the day.

The Cook & Kitchen Staff at Recipe-a-day.com simply encourage you to treat
yourself to this fine holiday tradition from The Netherlands today, as we
hear you have been very, very good!

Bring all the ingredients to room temperature. Cream butter, honey and
water together in a large mixing bowl until well blended. In a small,
separate mixing bowl, mix flour, baking powder and lemon peel together. Add
the flour mixture, a small portion at a time, to the honey mixture,
blending continually. Knead the completed mixture into a soft ball, adding
more flour if necessary. Wrap and chill dough for 1-hour.

Pre-heat your oven to 375-F degrees. On a floured surface, roll half the
dough out into 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out circles with cookie cutter or
floured rim of a glass. Cut out cookie wreath centers with a small cookie
cutter or rim-floured thimble. Reserve centers to make more cookies.

Place cookies on buttered cookies sheet, about 1-inch apart. Lightly brush
dough with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar and chopped almonds. Bake for
8-10 minutes, until golden brown. Remove cookies from oven and cool on
sheet until no longer soft. Remove to wire rack to cool completely. Repeat
process with remaining cookie dough.

Store in an air-tight container or follow the tradition of The Netherlands
and tie the cooled cookies with lengths of red ribbon to your Christmas
Tree.

Makes Approximately 6-Dozen 2-Inch Cookies