White Velvet Cutouts

Ingredients

Dough

• 2 cups butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Butter Cream Frosting

• 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, divided
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk, divided
• Red and/or green food coloring* (optional)

Instructions

Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
2. Add sugar, egg yolks and vanilla extract; mix well. Gradually add flour. Cover and chill 2 hours or until firm.
3. Roll out on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into 3 inch shapes; place 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes or until set (not browned).
5. Cool for 5 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool.

Butter Cream Frosting

1. Combine 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, butter, shortening, vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons milk in a mixing bowl; beat until smooth.
2. Gradually add remaining sugar; beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Add enough remaining milk and food coloring until frosting reaches desired consistency.
4. Frost cookies.

Notes

* For a deeper color of frosting, tint with food coloring paste available at kitchen and cake decorating supply stores or in the Wilton section at Wal-Mart.