Shaped 
Christmas Cookies

• 1 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Frosting (recipe follows)

Cream shortening in a medium mixing bowl; gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eg and vanilla, beating well.

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl; add to creamed mixture, stirring well.

Press dough from a cookie press 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets, using desired shaping discs. Bake at 350° for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Spoon frosting into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip; decorate each cookie as desired.

Yield: about 5 1/2 dozen.

Frosting:

• 2/3 cup shortening
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
• 1 (16 ounce) package powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/3 cup water
• Paste food coloring (optional)

Combine shortening, salt, and desired flavoring in a medium mixing bowl; beat at medium speed of an electric mixer until well blended. Add sugar alternately with water, beginning and ending with sugar; beat constantly at low speed until smooth. Beat an additional 8 minutes at medium speed. Color portions of frosting with paste food coloring, if desired.

Yield: frosting for about 5 1/2 dozen cookies.

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