Sugar Cookie Cutouts

Nothing says Christmas goodies like a nicely decorated, delicious sugar cookie cutout. I don't know how nicely decorated my cookies are, but they sure do taste fabulous. I will work on my decorating skills with the next batch this weekend. But for now, I settled for the classic, delicious sugar cookie straight from Betty Crocker.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 c. butter or margarine, softened

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. almond extract

1 large egg

2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cream of tartar

Granulated sugar

Directions:

Beat powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract, and egg in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in remaining ingredients except granulated sugar. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Heat oven to 375*. Light grease cookie sheet with shortening or cooking spray.

Divide dough in half. Roll each half 1/4 inch thick on lightly floured surface. Cut into desired shapes with 2 to 2 1/2 inch cookie cutters. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.

Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until edges are light brown. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.

Frosting (courtesy of allrecipes.com)

Ingredients:

4 c. powdered sugar

1/2 c. shortening

5 tbs. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

food coloring

Directions:

In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, and shortening until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and stiff, about 5 minutes. Color with food coloring if desired.