Start with this simple cookie dough and go creative with the decorations: icing, sprinkles, cute shapes, fillings, etc.

Rolled Sugar Cookies

1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt

1. In a large mixing bowl cream butter and shortening until fluffy. Stir in half of the flour, sugar, egg, milk, baking powder, vanilla and salt. Beat until thoroughly combined then stir in remaining half of flour. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours.
2. When dough is chilled, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Roll dough onto a lightly floured surface to a thickness of 1/8-inch and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place 1-inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 7 to 8 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack.

Makes 36 cookies.