Ingredients

Cookies

• 1/2 cup shortening or butter (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 2/3 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1 lb confectioners sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 4 tbsp milk

Dough Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl mix the butter and sugar together.
2. Add the eggs and vanilla  and mix until smooth.
3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt
4. Add the sifted ingredients to the mixing bowl
5. Add the sour cream and mix until all the ingredients are blended and a the dough is in ball form.
6. If the dough is too loose add more flour
7. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours (can be left overnight).

Cookie Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F.
2. On a well floured flat surface roll out some of the dough to 1/2 inch thickness leaving the rest in the refrigerator to remain chilled until needed.
3. Cut out the dough with cookie cutters and place on a cookie sheet.
4. Bake 4-6 minutes, cookies are done when the bottom is lightly brown and top is white
5. Remove the cookies to a wire rack for cooling
6. Repeat until all the dough is used up

Simple Frosting

1. Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the confectioners sugar, vanilla and milk.
3. Mix until smooth.
4. If the frosting is too loose add more confectioners sugar.
5. If the frosting is too stiff add more milk.
6. Frosting can be colored with food coloring (divide into multiple bowls for multiple colors if desired)
7. Frost the cookies using a butter knife or spreader, or with a decorating tip & bag