Painted Sugar Cookies

1/2 c Butter or margarine;

-softened 1/2 c Shortening

1 c Powdered sugar; sifted

1 Egg

1 ts Vanilla extract

2 1/2 c All-purpose flour

1/2 ts Salt

Egg yolk paint Egg yolk paint: 1 Egg yolk; beaten

1/4 ts Water

Assorted colors of paste -liquid Or food coloring Recipe by: Southern Living

Cream butter and shortening; gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed of an electric mixer. Add egg and vanilla, beating well. Combine flour and salt; stir into creamed mixture. Chill dough at least 1 hour. Divide dough in half; store 1 portion in refrigerator. Roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with

a 2-inch cookie cutter, and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Using a small paintbrush, paint assorted designs on cookies with Egg Yolk Paint. Bake at 375 degrees for 9 to 10 minutes or until cookies are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Repeat procedure with remaining EGG YOLK PAINT Combine egg yolk and water; stir well. Divide mixture into several custard cups; tint as desired with food coloring. Keep paint covered until ready to use. If paint thickens, add a few drops of water, and stir 1-1/2 tablespoons.

NOTE: Forego the usual sugar sprinkles to decorate the tops of rolled sugar cookies, and try painting them with Egg Yolk Paint. This cookie recipe works particularly well for the technique since it has no leavening added, and the cookies don`t rise as much as some. Rising could alter the look of the design you paint before baking. -----