Watermelon Slice Cookies (Print View)
Vibrant fruit-shaped treats with red and green dough, chocolate chip seeds, perfect for summer parties and kids' activities.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 Make:
01 - Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
02 - Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, uniform dough forms.
05 - Split dough into two portions: approximately 2/3 larger portion and 1/3 smaller portion. Tint the larger portion with red food coloring, kneading until evenly distributed. Tint the smaller portion with green food coloring.
06 - Shape the red dough into a 10-inch log, 2 inches in diameter. Roll green dough into a rectangle and wrap around the red log, pressing gently to seal the edges.
07 - Wrap the completed log tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm enough to slice cleanly.
08 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
09 - Cut the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Slice each round in half to create watermelon wedge shapes.
10 - Place cookies on prepared baking sheets. Press mini chocolate chips into the red portion of each slice to create watermelon seeds.
11 - Bake for 8-10 minutes until set but not browned. Cool on baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Theyre impossibly cute and people literally gasp when they see them on a platter
- The dough comes together in one bowl and the decoration part is almost meditative
02 -
- The chilling step is absolutely non negotiable because warm dough will spread and youll lose that distinct watermelon wedge shape
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid because liquid coloring adds moisture which throws off the dough texture
03 -
- Work quickly with the colored dough because the warmth from your hands will soften it and make it harder to handle
- If your green dough tears while wrapping around the red log, patch it with small pieces of additional green dough and smooth the seams with your fingertips