Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup yellow corn flour (do not substitute cornmeal)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch salt
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

  • Set 2 racks in the middle and upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. In a food processor or the bowl of an electric mixer, thoroughly mix together the dry ingredients.
  • On low speed, add the butter, then the corn syrup, milk, and vanilla.
  • Process or beat until the dough is completely blended.
  • Between sheets of waxed paper, roll the dough to a thickness of 1/8-inch.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes, until firm.
  • Cut the dough into animal shapes with cookie cutters or press molds (lightly floured to prevent sticking.)
  • Arrange on nonstick or parchment-lined cookie sheets and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm the dough.
  • Bake for 7 minutes, until very lightly tanned around the edges.
  • Set the pans on a rack to cool.