CUTOUT SUGAR COOKIES

Cutout Sugar Cookies image

Cutting fun shapes from sweet dough and decorating the cookies with icing and candies is a Christmas-time tradition many families, including Sherry Taylor's. "This easy sugar cookie recipe yields delicious results," assures this Metropolis, Illinois subscriber.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield about 2-1/2 dozen (3-inch cookies).

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
ICING:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
5-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
4 to 5 tablespoons milk
Food coloring

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and extracts. Combine the flour, baking soda and cream of tartar; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and chill for 2-3 hours or until easy to handle. , On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 375° for 6-8 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. , For icing, cream the butter and shortening in a bowl. Add vanilla and salt. Gradually add the sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add milk; beat until light and fluffy. Tint icing with desired colors of food coloring; decorate the cookies.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 525 calories, Fat 25g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 62mg cholesterol, Sodium 278mg sodium, Carbohydrate 72g carbohydrate (55g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.