Christmas Desserts: Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies work wonders on the appetites of kids as they run around the house during holiday gatherings. Because you may have a whole bunch of kids at your house during the holidays, not to mention some hungry adults, make a bulk batch of sugar cookies! This Christmas cookies recipe will make about 4 to 6 dozen cookies, depending on the size of your cookie cutter.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter at room temperature
- 1/3 cup vegetable shortening
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- colored or coarse sugar for decorating
Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Put the butter and shortening into a bowl and cream until smooth. Slowly add the sugar as you continue beating.
Next, add the eggs, one at a time; be sure to beat well after adding each egg. Add vanilla. Use a wooden spoon to stir in the dry ingredients one cup at a time.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Divide the dough in half, placing each half on a sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten these halves until they’re about one inch thick and then wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to one week).
Use a rolling pin to roll into 1/8 inch thickness. Go crazy with the cookie cutters! If you want to decorate with colored or course sugar, do so now. Use a spatula to put the cookies onto the baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for about 14 minutes or until the cookies are light golden brown around the edges. Use the spatula to place cookies on a cooling rack. Enjoy!
