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Amerikaner Cookies (Iced Cake Cookies)

Make classic German amerikaner with a soft, cake-like vanilla base and smooth white icing, or finish them with chocolate icing for a tasty variation.

Ingredients:

• 7 tablespoons (100 grams) butter or margarine
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons (8 grams) vanilla sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 pinch salt
• ¼ cup (30 grams) cornstarch
• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3 level teaspoons (12 grams) baking powder
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) milk
• 1 teaspoon (4 grams) vanilla extract
• Butter or other fat for greasing the baking sheet
• ¾ cup (100 grams) powdered sugar
• 1½ tablespoons (22 milliliters) of hot water
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder, optional

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease two baking sheets and/or line with baking parchment.
2. Beat the butter or margarine until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the sugar, vanilla sugar, eggs, and salt.
3. Mix the cornstarch with the flour and baking powder. Sift the dry ingredients over the batter, add the milk and vanilla extract, and stir until combined. The batter should be firm enough to hold its shape. Add a little more flour if necessary.
4. Drop large spoonfuls of batter about 2 inches (5 centimeters) in diameter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them. Gently flatten with the back of a wet spoon.
5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely.
7. Stir the powdered sugar with hot water to make a smooth, spreadable icing.
8. Spread the icing over the flat undersides of the cooled cookies.
9. For a chocolate variation, stir the cocoa powder into some or all of the icing before spreading it over the cookies.

Notes/Hints:

• Decorate with sprinkles or candies before the icing dries.
• Be a bit creative and turn the circles into hearts by carefully shaping the dough circles.

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