Mother's Day Cookies, Cupcakes and Treats Galore

Looking for a way to make Mom's day, without completely trashing the kitchen? Try some of these recipes for easy cookies, cupcakes and treats for Mother's Day or any day!

Lemon Refrigerator Cookies
Your mother will love these light, lemony cookies. Make some for Mother's Day, freeze a batch of dough to make later!

Ingredients:

Zest of 1 large lemon
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, chilled and cut up
2 1/3 cups sifted cake flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Pour lemon zest and sugar into food processor, and process until fine. Add the butter and process until fluffy. Scrape down bowl and add remaininig ingredients. Process just until mixed. Roll dough into 2 - 1 1/2 inch logs, wrap in wax paper and refrigerate until firm. Slice logs into 1/4 inch coins and bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 for 8 - 10 minutes. Ice with frosting made from 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice or extract, and 1 tablespoon milk.

Easy Cheesecake Cupcakes
Most mother's love cheesecake. If your mom finds this dessert divine, make her day with these easy cupcakes!

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
4 eggs
36 vanilla wafers
3 8-ounce packages cream cheese
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 can cherry pie filling

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Beat together sugar, cheese, eggs, and lemon juice until smooth. Line 36 muffin pans with liners and place a vanilla wafer in each. Pour cheese mixture into muffin cups, about 3/4 full. Bake about 20 minutes. Allow to cool and top with cherry (or your mother's favorite) pie filling.

Easy Mock Toffee
If your Mother's mouth waters at the sight of toffee, this simple recipe will make her day.

Ingredients:

40 saltines
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans or almonds (optional)

Directions
Preheat oven to 400. Place the saltines into a greased, foil lined jelly roll pan, side by side. Combine butter and sugar in saucepan and bring to boil, stirring constantly. Continue to heat for three minutes. Pour sugar mixture over crackers. Bake for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let stand about 5 minutes and spread melted chocolate chips evenly. Sprinkle with nuts and refrigerate until set. Turn onto flat surface. Remove the foil and break into pieces. Store in refrigerator in airtight container.