Father’s Day Cookie Care Package

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Most people think they have the best dad in the world, but I know I have the best dad. He does so much for me and my sister, from coaching our sports teams when we were little to helping us navigate the real world as we grow older. I’ve always admired his work ethic and social skills, and I’m so proud I get to call him my dad! I hate that we live almost 3,000 miles away, but thankfully the Internet and our phones make it feel like I still see him every day. Since I can’t be there to celebrate Father’s Day this year, I decided to mail him a cookie care package complete with his favorite sugar cookies and a thoughtful card.

Target is my go-to spot for cards (and basically everything in life). There is always a great selection of Father’s Day cards that are perfect for my dad. I like looking for the “Dad From Daughter” cards that aren’t too sappy and have some humor, but still have a sweet message. The card in the photo below is so perfect and sounds exactly like us. My dad always says he doesn’t want anything for his birthday, Christmas or Father’s Day, and I think he honestly means it. And the girl is totally me when he’s around. He spoils us slightly (okay, more than slightly). I could spend hours looking through the cards. I keep looking until I find the perfect one that sounds like I could have written it.

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Since I never know what to get him, I usually resort to food—either his favorite candy or I’ll bake something. Since we won’t be together on Father’s Day this year, I’m going to mail him some of his favorite sugar cookies! I used alphabet cookie cutters to spell “DAD” and then topped them with buttercream (it would be cute to use the colors for his favorite sports team!). Since I wasn’t sure about how to stack them so that they wouldn’t get ruined while shipping, I decided to turn them into a little cookie cake. Since the cookies are already sandwiched with buttercream you don’t have to worry about them getting squished! To wrap them I placed a sheet of decorative parchment paper into a gift box with a clear window, then tied it with a ribbon. Homemade cookies with a card and handwritten note are the perfect Father’s Day gift. It’s personal, thoughtful and who doesn’t like cookies?! It doesn’t even have to be for your dad. These would be cute for brothers, uncles, and friends who also have children. And yes I think dog dads deserve a treat, too ;) If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Father’s Day card, click here to find your nearest Target and be sure to check out the Target App for this Cartwheel offer on Father’s Day greeting cards from now until June 17.

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Almond Sugar Cookies

These sugar cookies are perfect for a Father's Day gift! Just cute them out using alphabet cookie cutters. He is sure to love the subtle almond flavor! 

Course Dessert

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies

• 1 cup butter room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder

For the Buttercream

• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 Tbsp. milk
• 1/2 tsp. almond extract
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• desired food coloring

Instructions

For the Sugar Cookies

1. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add egg and extracts, then continue mixing until combined. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. 

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add to butter mixture and mix on low speed until combined, scraping down the edges as needed. 

3. Place ball of dough onto a piece of parchment paper and flatten into a 1" thick disk. Top with another piece of parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes (if you want to make the dough ahead of time and chill for longer, wrap in plastic wrap instead of the parchment paper. 

4. Once the dough is chilled, preheat oven to 375F. Line 2 or 3 baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. 

5. Remove dough from fridge (keep top layer of parchment paper on!) and use a rolling pin to roll the dough out until it's about 1/3" thick. I find that this rolling technique is less messy and doesn't require additional flour. 

6. Use desired cookie cutters, then transfer to prepared baking sheet (I only bake one sheet at a time). Bake for about 7 minutes until the edges are slightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat until you've used all of the dough. 

For the Buttercream

1. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat vegetable shortening until smooth and creamy. 

2. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined. Add milk, extracts and salt and mix until combined. Add remaining powdered sugar. Mix until combined, then use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as necessary. Mix on medium speed for an additional minute. 

3. Add desired food coloring (or separate into a few different bowls) and stir until the color is evenly distributed. Remember, always start with a small amount and work your way up!

4. Transfer to piping bags fitted with desired decorating tip and decorate the cooled cookies. You can stack them to form a cookie cake, or leave them as single cookies. Enjoy!