Painted Sugar Cookies

Title: Painted Sugar Cookies

Categories: Cookies

Yield: 33 servings

1/2 c Butter or margarine;

-softened

1/2 c Shortening

1 c Powdered sugar; sifted

1 Egg

1 ts Vanilla extract

2 1/2 c All-purpose flour

1/2 ts Salt

Egg yolk paint

Egg yolk paint:

1 Egg yolk; beaten

1/4 ts Water

Assorted colors of paste

-liquid

Or food coloring

Recipe by: Southern Living

Preparation Time : 0:30

Cream butter and shortening; gradually add sugar, beating

well at medium speed of an electric mixer. Add egg and vanilla, beating well. Combine flour and salt; stir into creamed mixture. Chill dough at least 1 hour. Divide dough

in half; store 1 portion in refrigerator. Roll dough to

1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with

a 2-inch cookie cutter, and place on ungreased cookie

sheets. Using a small paintbrush, paint assorted designs

on cookies with Egg Yolk Paint. Bake at 375 degrees

9 to 10 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned.

Cool on a wire rack. Repeat procedure with remaining

dough. Yield: about 5-1/2 dozen.

EGG YOLK PAINT Combine egg yolk and water; stir well.

Divide mixture into several custard cups; tint as desired

with food coloring. Keep paint covered until ready to use.

If paint thickens, add a few drops of water, and stir

well. Brush on cookies as directed before baking. Yield:

1-1/2 tablespoons. NOTE: Forego the usual sugar sprinkles to decorate the

tops of rolled sugar cookies, and try painting them with

Egg Yolk Paint. This cookie recipe works particularly well

for the technique since it has no leavening added, and the

cookies don't rise as much as some. Rising could alter the

look of the design you paint before baking. --