Tulip Cookie Shells

Is the winter weather getting you down? Treat yourself to summer-in-December with these beautiful and lavish cookies, which are perfect for those who like their food to look as good as it tastes.

Notes

TIP: It is important to work quickly when shaping tulip shells because they're easiest to handle while still warm. If possible, line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal of the cookies.

Ingredients

2 egg whites
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla
ice cream, sherbet, or fresh fruit for filling

Instructions

Line three baking sheets with parchment paper or grease and flour sheets.
Using a six inch plate, trace two circles on each sheet, leaving one inch between each circle. In large bowl, whisk together egg whites, sugar, flour, butter, water and vanilla just until blended.
Using three tablespoons batter for each cookie, drop on to circles on prepared baking sheet.
With metal spatula, gently spread batter as thinly as possible to fill circles. Bake one sheet at a time in upper half of 400 degrees F oven for 6-8 minutes or until edges are just beginning to brown.
Remove baking sheet from oven and place on rack. Using metal spatula, immediately lift one cookie and place on to lightly greased inverted tall glass about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Working quickly,lightly shape warm cookie with fingers to create fluted effect. Let cool completely on glass. Repeat with remaining cookies.
If cookie is too firm to mould, return to oven for 15-30 seconds or until softened. Cookie shells can be stored in airtight container for up to two day. Recrisp in 275 degrees F oven for one minutes. When ready to serve, fill with ice cream, sherbet, or fresh fruit.