NEVER-FAIL CUTOUT COOKIES

Never-Fail Cutout Cookies image

I have tried numerous recipes for cutout cookies over the years-this one is foolproof. My daughter and my granddaughter love making these for holidays and social events. Most of all, we enjoy decorating them. You can try almond flavoring or another flavoring of choice. This recipe is easily doubled. -Irene Palm, Mansfield, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield about 5 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

2 cups butter, softened
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 cups sugar
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
FROSTING:
3-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 to 5 tablespoons 2% milk
Food coloring of choice, optional
Assorted sprinkles or candies, optional

Steps:

Beat butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour. Divide dough into 4 portions; shape each into a disk. Cover; refrigerate until firm enough to roll, about 30 minutes., Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with floured 3-in. holiday cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets., Bake until edges are light golden, 12-14 minutes. Cool on pans 5 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, beat confectioners' sugar, butter, shortening, vanilla and enough milk to reach desired consistency. If desired, tint with food coloring. Spread or pipe over cookies. Decorate as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 169 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 66mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.