Watermelon Slice Cookies (Printable)

Vibrant watermelon-shaped cookies with colorful layers and chocolate chip seeds, ideal for summer celebrations.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

→ Decoration

09 - Red and green gel food coloring
10 - Mini chocolate chips (for seeds)
11 - 2 tablespoons milk (as needed)

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
03 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms.
04 - Split the dough into two portions: one larger portion (about 2/3) and one smaller portion (about 1/3). Tint the larger portion with red food coloring, kneading until the color is evenly distributed. Tint the smaller portion with green food coloring in the same manner.
05 - Roll the red dough into a log approximately 10 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. Roll out the green dough into a rectangle large enough to encase the log. Carefully wrap the green dough around the red log, pressing gently to seal the seam.
06 - Wrap the combined dough log securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice cleanly.
07 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - Slice the chilled dough into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Cut each round in half to form watermelon wedge shapes.
09 - Place each slice on the prepared baking sheets. Press a few mini chocolate chips into the red portion of each slice to mimic watermelon seeds.
10 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They are unexpectedly simple despite their impressive appearance
  • The almond extract gives them a sophisticated flavor beneath the whimsy
  • Kids and adults both grab them first from the platter
02 -
  • The chilling step is non negotiable or the colors will blur together
  • Gel food coloring produces the most vivid red and green tones
  • Work quickly when wrapping the green around the red or the dough becomes too soft to handle
03 -
  • Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices for the cleanest edges
  • If the green dough tears while wrapping, patch it with small pieces and smooth the seams

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