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                                            Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes  | 
                                            Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 1  | 
                                         
                                        
                                     
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                    Create sugar cookies in your favorite shapes perfect for any holiday or celebration. Have the kids help you decorate for a fun family project. Ingredients: 
                    
                        
                                                4 cups all-purpose flour  |  
                                                1 1/2 teaspoons teaspoons baking powder  |  
                                                1/2 teaspoon salt  |  
                                                1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature  |  
                                                1 1/2 cups sugar  |  
                                                1/3 cup vegetable shortening (such as crisco)  |  
                                                2 large eggs, at room temperature  |  
                                                2 teaspoons vanilla extract  |  
                                                colored or coarse sugar, for decorating  |  
                                                
                     
                    Directions: 
                    
                        
                            
                                1. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl; set aside. Combine the butter and shortening in the bowl of an electric mixer and cream until smooth. Slowly add the sugar, beating on medium. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla. With a wooden spoon, stir the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture 1 cup at a time. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide in half. Place each half on a large sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten into disks about 1 inch thick. Wrap separately, then refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 1 week. To bake, preheat oven to 350° F. Roll to 1/8 inch thick on a well-floured surface. Cut into shapes. Sprinkle with the colored sugar, if desired. Using a spatula, transfer to a large greased baking sheet, sugared-side up. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until light golden brown around the edges. Transfer to a cooling rack.                              | 
                         
                         
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