frosted sugar cookies...

*sugar cookies*

2 cups sugar
3/4 cup shortening

3/4 cup butter
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
5 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt

Mix sugar, shortening/butter, eggs and vanilla until fluffy. Add dry ingredients. Mix well. Chill dough for atleast one hour. Bake at 400 degrees on greased cookie sheet 6-8 min.

*buttercream frosting*

1 lb. powdered sugar

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 tbsp. milk

Food coloring (optional)

In large bowl, beat together sugar, butter, vanilla and milk until smooth. If necessary add more milk until frosting is spreading consistency. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring. Mix everything well.

I {heart} sugar cookies! I wasn't going to, but I couldn't help myself. This my favorite sugar cookie recipe (I've tried a lot.) I undercook them just a little, I just take them out of the oven before any browning occurs. Ovens vary, so just watch the first batch after about 6 min. They will stay really soft and yummy. You can cut this recipe in half, but it's kind of like the meatballs...if you're going to do it, just make a lot!

So, if you have the time/desire tonight or tomorrow...whip up a batch for your family (yourself), your neighbors (yourself), your friends (yourself), the mailman (yourself), you get where I'm going with this!