Ruth Nye's Sugar Cookies

Submitted by Ruth's granddaughter, B. Weeke, Houston, TX

Flour Mixture
In medium bowl, mix the following together (until crumbly, like pie dough)

4 C flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 C shortening
1/2 C butter or margarine

Sugar mixture
In another larger bowl mix together until creamy (preferably with electric mixer)

1 1/3 C Imperial Sugar/Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs
1/3 C milk (or half-n-half)
2 tsp. vanilla

Gradually add flour mixture to sugar mixture. Mix with electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add additional flour, little by little, to make dough less sticky (should not stick to your hands; texture should be like play dough). Be sure all flour is worked through dough and is mixed well (may need to work with your hands).

Cover bowl with foil and chill at least 4 hours (can be chilled up to 3 days).

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll out dough on a well-floured counter in sections to about 1/8" thickness. Cut out with cookie cutters and remove excess dough. Place cookies on well-greased cookie sheet and bake for 7-8 minutes (until very lightly browned; middle is still slightly soft). Cool completely on cooking racks before icing.

Icing
Beat together the following until creamy:

1 cup butter or margarine
8 oz. Imperial Sugar/Dixie Crystals powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
dash of salt
small amount of milk (or half-n-half) (add enough to make mixture creamy)

Frosting can be separated in smaller bowls to add food colorings of your choice.

Note from the cook: These cookies are great for all holidays in any shape you like:
Christmas – stars, bells, trees, angels, stockings, santas, candy canes
Valentines Day – hearts, cupids
Easter – bunnies, eggs, chickies
Halloween – jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, witches
Thanksgiving – turkeys
Birthday – spellout person’s name with letter shapes
Enjoy!

Reader rating (5 Stars = Excellent):  5

Have you tried this Recipe? Then we want to hear from you! Rate this recipe on a scale of 1 to 5 stars (1: I do not like it - 5: I love it) 1 Star 5 Stars   Your name (optional): Your email (optional - will not be displayed): Your comments:

Readers comments: 1/22/2007 11:19:53 PM EST The best recipe ever! A great recipe to do with your best friend and your children! 1/22/2007 1:23:08 PM EST Wnderful! Wish I knew Grandma Nye . . . .these cookies are delicious.