mangia mondays 92: christmas cookies

howdy, folks!

welcome to

a blog hop i co-host

with the sweet-as-sugar-cookies

lisa from shine your light!

this week i'm sharing my

christmas cookies

for cookies:

1 1/3 C shortening

1 1/2 C sugar

1 tsp lemon zest

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs, slightly beaten

2 TBS + 2 tsp milk

4 C all-purpose flour

1 TBS baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1. using the paddle attachment of an electric mixer, cream together the shortening, sugar, lemon zest & vanilla.

2. add the eggs and milk to the sugar & mix well.

3. sift together the flour, baking powder & salt. add to the liquid ingredients & mix just to combine.

4. divide the dough in half, wrap & chill for 1 hour.

5. preheat oven to 375 f.

6. roll out to 1/4" thickness on a well-floured surface. use cookie cutters to cut the desired shapes. place on parchment lined sheet pans & bake 6-8 minutes. remove from sheet & cool on a wire rack.

for royal icing:

2 lbs. powdered sugar

1.5 oz. meringue powder

8 oz. cool water

1. use an electric mixer with a whip attachment to mix ingredients until shiny, thick & fluffy. store covered when not in use as it will dry out almost immediately.

helpful decorating tips:

- i used #1 & #2 tips from wilton... even the 2's were a little large!

- have things handy: a damp paper towel, toothpicks, a place to set your decorated cookies, etc.

- have fun & go nuts! :D

first, this is my grandma's sugar cookie recipe.

it rocks.

i love decorating cookies

& can't wait to do it again when my mom gets here in a week!

:D

i think i'll go for more traditional colors next time.

santa will appreciate it. ;)

now it's your turn -

link up those recipes & food posts!

how mangia mondays work:

. add a link to your recipe or food post & visit some others who have linked up before you .

. link back to mangia mondays anywhere on your blog .

. thanks for not linking up to giveaways or items you're selling .

. help spread the word about mangia mondays by sharing this post with others .

until next time,

dowlings out!