This week, Mariah Carey will be releasing her brand new holiday album, 'Merry Christmas II You.' The singer is celebrating the spirit of the upcoming season with the recent premiere of her catchy single 'Oh Santa!', but she's also been getting festive in the kitchen. Carey has whipped up a special Christmas cookie recipe, which PopEater is exclusively debuting.

Come Nov. 2, you'll be able to listen to the full 'Merry Christmas II You' album – which features a new recording of the smash hit 'All I Want for Christmas Is You,' as well as classic holiday songs – as you bake. Find out how to make Carey's Christmas cookies.

Mariah Carey's 'Merry Christmas II You' Cookies

Serves 4 dozen

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon of lemon zest
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:
Cream butter, gradually add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, milk, vanilla and lemon zest. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Chill for easy handling. Roll out dough to 1/8" thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut dough into festive holiday shapes with floured cookie cutters. Bake on a cookie sheet in a preheated 350-degree (Fahrenheit) oven for 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Decorate with icing and green and red sprinkles.

Place cookies on a plate beside the Christmas tree with a tall glass of milk for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve!

Source: Popeater