Sugar Cookies

prep time:: 15 minutes + 3 hours chilling
total time:: 4:30 hours

Makes 3-4 dozen

Connie Reeves

Decorated cookies cut in Christmas shapes

ingredients

Cookies

1/3 c butter
1/3 c shortening
3/4 c sugar
1 tsp baking powder
dash salt
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 c all-purpose flour

Icing

1 c sifted confectioner’s sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla
1 T milk or orange juice

directions

Prepare and chill dough

1
Beat butter and shortening on medium to high speed 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat til combined, scraping bowl.
2
Beat in egg and vanilla. Beat in as much of flour as can be done with the mixer. Stir in remaining flour.
3
Divide dough in half. If necessary, cover and chill dough for 3 hours or til easy to handle.

Prepare cookies

1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On lightly floured surface, roll half at a time to 1/8 inch thick. Using 2-1/2 inch cookie or biscuit cutter, cut into desired shapes. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
2
Bake 7 to 8 minutes or til edges are firm and bottoms are very lightly browned. Cool on a rack. If desired, frost with icing.

Prepare icing

In mixing bowl, combine confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and milk or juice. Stir in additional milk or juice, 1 tsp at a time, til it reaches drizzling consistency. Makes 1/2 cup.