Scrumptious Sugar Cookies

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups cake flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2-2/3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 tablespoons 2% milk
• Red paste food coloring, optional
• Miniature semisweet chocolate chips and red-hot candies

1. In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and extracts. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
2. Divide dough into thirds; flatten each portion into a circle. Wrap each in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 4-1/2-in. gingerbread boy cookie cutter; place 1 in. apart on ungreased
4. . Repeat with remaining dough; chill and reroll scraps.
5. Bake at 375u0b0 for 8-10 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
6. In a small bowl, beat the confectioners' sugar, butter, vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Tint a portion red if desired. Decorate cookies as desired with icing, chocolate chips and red-hots.

butter, butter, sugar, eggs, almond, vanilla, cake flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter, vanilla, milk, red paste food coloring, chocolate chips

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/scrumptious-sugar-cookies/ (may not work)