The Perfect Cut-Outs

Sometimes the best Christmas cookies are the simple cut-out sugar cookies that are doused in creamy frosting... You know, those ones that remind you of those cake cookies you buy in the grocery store that have that thick layer of frosting on top? That's what these taste like. I DO think I've found the perfect recipe.

I found this recipe on Allrecipes.com...my go to. The reason why these cookies are so great is because the dough is easy to work with when rolling & cutting out and the frosting hardens up just enough so that you can store/present these cookies without them sticking together. Zinger. 

And what's even better...is the fact that these cookies are so soft...and the frosting (though the outside hardens up just enough) is still soft and creamy. 

So...make these suckers...cause they are good!

Ingredients:

Cookies: 

• 3/4 butter flavored shortening
• 1 c. sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp. milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 c. flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt

Frosting:

• 1 tbsp. butter
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 2-1/2 c. powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp. milk
• food coloring (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. In large bowl, cream together shortening and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time. 
3. Add milk and vanilla. 
4. In separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix into creamed mixture. 
5. On lightly floured surface, roll out dough to about 1/4" thick with floured rolling pin. *Note: If necessary, work more flour into the dough to avoid sticking to work surface or rolling pin.
6. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on parchment-lined cookie sheets. 
7. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes in preheated oven. Remove cookies from baking sheets to cool on wire racks. Cool completely before frosting. 
8. In small bowl, beat butter, almond extract, and powdered sugar until smooth. 
9. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until frosting reaches desired consistency. 
10. Frost and decorate cooled cookies. Allow cookies to harden on cookie sheets or waxed paper.