Cut-Out Cookies

Description:

A Sugar Cookie Contest Recipe

Cooking Time:

Bake 12 to 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. cloves
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups C&H® or Domino® Granulated Sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions:

In medium bowl sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, nutmeg and cloves. Set aside. In large bowl cream the softened butter and sugar. Add to the creamed mixture two eggs, lemon juice, vanilla and sour cream. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture and mix until blended. Form the dough into a ball and divide into quarters. Wrap each quarter in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly spray two non-stick baking sheets with vegetable oil. Dust work surface with flour. Remove one package of dough from refrigerator and roll to 1/4" thickness. Dip cookie cutters in flour and cut out cookies. Place cookies on cookie sheet, 1/2" apart. Bake 12-15 minutes. Repeat with remaining three refrigerated dough balls, one at a time.

• Basic Decorating Icing
• 4 cups C&H® or Domino® Powdered Sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp. flavoring (optional)
• food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

In large bowl beat all ingredients at medium speed 8 to 10 minutes. Keep icing covered to prevent drying. Store in refrigerator. Makes approximately 2 1/2 cups icing. Hints: Thicken with C&H® or Domino® Powdered Sugar or thin with a few drops of water, if needed.