Christmas Cookie Mix

[QuilterMom]

Christmas Cookie Mix

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt

In a small bowl, beat the butter and shortening until fluffy. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugars, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter mixture into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Divide the cookie mix in half and place in two resealable baggies (about 5 3/4 cups in each baggie). Store in the refrigerator. Give each mix with a 3-inch star shaped cookie cutter, red and green decorating sugars and cookie recipe.

To make cookies: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the cookie mix, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms. Use a floured rolling pin to roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use the cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. Transfer cookies to a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle the cookies with decorating sugar. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

Makes about 11 1/2 cups of mix (enough for two gifts).

[QuilterMom]

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