Valentine sugar Cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/4 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Mix butter, shortening, sugar, eggs, and vanilla thoroughly.

Stir flour, baking powder, and salt together.

Blend butter mixture and flour mixture.

Divide dough into 2 discs. Cover each with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Remove dough from refrigerator and allow to sit on the counter for 15-30 minutes, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.

On a board that has been lightly floured with a mixture of flour and confectioner's sugar, roll dough until it is 1/4 inch thick. Cut with your favorite cooky cuter.

Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Top with colored sanding sugar, if desired.

Bake 6 to 8 minutes, or until cookies are a delicate light golden color.

Cool on a wire rack. If desired, decorate with Easy Cream Icing.

Makes 3-4 dozen cookies, depending on the size of the cutter

Easy Cream Icing

1 cup sifted confectioner's sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1-3 Tablespoons cream, milk or water
food coloring or icing tints

Blend sugar, salt, and vanilla.

Add liquid (cream, milk, or water) 1 tablespoon at at a time until icing reaches a spreadable consistency.

Add food coloring.

Spread on cookies with an off-set spatula.

Makes icing for 3 to 5 dozen cookies, depending on size.
Recipe source Betty Crockers Cooky Book
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