Frosted Cutout Sugar Cookies

Directions

1. 1

   Combine flour, granulated sugar, baking soda and salt. Cut in shortening and butter until crumbly. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk and vanilla; add to flour mixture and mix well. Divide dough into 3 balls; cover and refrigerate until easy to handle, about 2 hours.
2. 2

   Preheat oven to 325°. Remove 1 portion of dough from the refrigerator at a time. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-in. cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
3. 3

   Bake until edges are lightly browned, 8-10 minutes. Cool 1 minute before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
4. 4

   For frosting, cream butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough cream to achieve a spreading consistency. If desired, tint with food coloring. Frost cookies. Decorate with colored sugar and candies if desired.