Classic sugar cookies - wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |

CLASSIC SUGAR COOKIES (makes about 6 dozen cookies)

3¼ c flour
1½ c sugar
2/3 c vegetable shortening
2 eggs
2 T milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt

Beat together ingredients until well mixed. Shape dough into a ball and wrap in waxed paper. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Roll dough ¼-inch to 1/8-inch thick. Cut with floured cookie cutters. Place on greased cookie sheets. (if decorating with colored sugar – sprinkle with sugar before baking)

Bake at 400° for 8 minutes, until very light brown. Cool completely & decorate with frosting.

BASIC BUTTER CREAM FROSTING
1 pound confectioner's sugar
6 T butter, softened
3 T milk
1½ tsp vanilla extract
food coloring

Beat until smooth & spreadable – add additional milk if necessary.  Add food coloring.

DECORATIVE FROSTING (use cake decorator to apply) 1
¾ c confectioner's sugar
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1 egg white
food coloring

Beat with mixer until stiff.  Add food coloring.