Sugar Cookies

These cookies are a huge hit with the kids every year. Not only are they delicious, but they are a blast to make and decorate with little ones! I love sugar cookies because you can find a cookie cutter for just about every occasion and make it all the more special with it's very own cookie!

1/2 cup shortening
1stick butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
2 1/2 cups flour
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 TBSP. milk

Cream shortening, butter and sugar. Add vanilla and egg. Beat well. Add dry ingredients and milk.

Roll dough out about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. I actually like them on the thicker side. They are more chewy and delicious! Cut with your favorite cookie cutters.

Bake at 400 degrees approximately 10 minutes.

Cool, then ice.

ICING:

1 lb. powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2/3 STICK butter
food coloring, if desired

Cream ingredients together. Divide icing into as many bowls as you want colors and add food coloring. My favorite season to make sugar cookies is Christmas... using the tree shaped cookie cutter and green frosting, I then add red and blue "ornaments" with my frosting and a yellow star at the top! You can also make some very cute Easter eggs!