Email to Cat      

Christmas: Cutout Sugar Cookies

Source of Recipe


Country Woman (December / January 2009)



List of Ingredients



• ½ cup butter, softened
  
• ½ cup shortening
  
• 1 cup sugar
  
• 2 eggs
  
• 1 Tbsp milk
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 tsp baking soda
  
• ¼ tsp salt
  
• .
  
• -- Frosting --
  
• ½ cup butter, softened
  
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 2 to 4 Tbsp half-and-half
  
• Food coloring, colored sugar, and decorating candies (optional)
  






Instructions



1. In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Divide dough into three balls; cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until easy to handle.
   
   
2. Remove one portion of dough from the refrigerator at a time. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut with a floured 2-inch cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 325° for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned. Cool for 1 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
   
   
3. For frosting:
   In a large bowl, cream the butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough half-and-half to achieve spreading consistency. Tint with food coloring, if desired. Frost cookies. Decorate with colored sugar and candies, if desired.
   
   Makes 6 dozen.