Be a Lighthouse

Blue and white stripes on these lighthouses gives them a seaworthy appearance.

I’ve always had a connection to the ocean and everything associated with it. I love walking on the beach looking for shells. I love the sound of the waves and the smell of the sea. I especially love looking at the endless ebb and flow of the ocean and can sit on the beach watching it for hours. This love stretches out to include all things associated with the sea. This year, lighthouses were the theme for my summer cookie baking.

“Be a lighthouse for someone to find a safe way home.” Anonymous

Lighthouses help ships avoid shallow waters and dangerous reefs. A lighthouse can be used as a metaphor for a person in your life who helps you navigate difficult situations and lights the way to your destination. Being a true friend means being a lighthouse to help someone find their way during a dark time. Be a lighthouse.

Did you know...

The lone lighthouse

Today, all lighthouses in the United States are automated, with the exception of the Boston Light, in the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. A law was passed in 1989 requiring that the Boston Light remain manned, so a keeper remains there today.

Source: National Park Service

Cookie specifics

Description

Gluten-Free Soft Sugar Cookies. This cookie is the gluten-free version of one of my favorite cookies. It has a pronounced vanilla flavor and a chewy, soft texture. The use of cream cheese is what keeps them soft while adding a slight tang. They are cut a little thicker than the average cutout cookies, which makes every bite an experience of chewy perfection. Thanks, Kim, for sharing this delicious recipe [see Recipes section below for a link].

Because this is a fairly sweet cookie, I used a lemon piping glaze to tame that sweetness. The result is yummy deliciousness.

Shapes & Sizes

Shapes

classic lighthouse shape

Sizes

I used a medium-size, 4x2¼-inch cookie cutter. By the way, 2½ to 3 inches is my favorite size for decorating so that I can eat one or two without feeling too guilty.

The Recipes

Cookie Recipes from This Talented Cookie Artist

Gluten-Free Soft Sugar Cookies. Original recipe from Let Them Eat Gluten Free Cake.

Icing & Frostings

Lemon Glaze for Piping: This glaze/icing dries hard enough that you can stack or package the cookies without damaging the embellishments. I often use it exclusively or in combination with Royal Icing.
Glaze for Piping Recipe

Ingredients

Cookies

Gluteh-free Soft Sugar Cookies: gluten-free flour blend (I used King Arthur’s Measure4Measure), butter, cream cheese (I used lactose-free), granulated sugar, egg yolks, pure vanilla extract, salt

Icing

Lemon Glaze for Piping: sugar, water, corn syrup, food coloring (optional), fresh lemon juice for flavoring (in place of water and vanilla)

Packaging

Plate, Box or Bag?

Bags. For gifting, I wrapped cookies individually in clear, food-safe bags, secured with a twist tie. This makes the cookies stackable without causing damage to the decorations.

Mailing. I mail cookies to my family throughout the U.S. as my way of sending summer greetings. I send them Priority Mail throughout the U.S. Post Office. They are carefully packed into a sturdy cardboard box surrounded by lots of bubble wrap to ensure that they arrive undamaged. Their arrival is always greatly appreciated!

What I’ve learned...

These cookies were made with the best ingredients I could find and baked in a small batch of two dozen. I’ve experimented with less expensive ingredients, but have come to the conclusion that flavor is best when I use the best. Why spend all this time baking and decorating if taste and texture are just so-so? Decorating the cookies takes time, but it’s an enjoyable process for me and I know that those who receive them appreciate that. Life is just better when you can share something you love with someone you love. Don’t you agree?