About this Recipe: Bridges' Sugar Cookies

Ever since I can remember, part of my family’s Christmas tradition has been to make sugar cookies. These are not just any sugar cookies, but rather my mom’s special recipe cookies, topped off with decorations that make each one unique. Now that I’m a father, I love watching my children decorate their own cookies during our family Christmas get together. Typically, Jack displays his little piece of culinary art with great pride while McLaine gobbles hers and anyone else’s she gets her hands on within a split second (she’s a lot like her dad!).

Makes about 4 dozen 3 inch cookies.

Ingredients

3/4 cup shortening ( part butter or margarine, softened)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (I always had to add extra flour to make the dough stiff enough to roll out)
- do not use self rising flour in this recipe
1 tsp baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt

Directions

Mix thoroughly shortening, sugar, egg and flavoring.
Blend in flour, baking powder and salt.
Cover; chill at least 1 hour.
Heat oven to 400 degrees, Roll dough 1/8 thick on lightly floured board, Cut into desired shapes using your favorite Christmas cookie cutters.
Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 6-8 minutes or until very light brown.

Frosting for Decorating:

2 cups confectionery sugar
1/4 cup butter or shortening
tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt and milk to desired consistency

We always made different colors with food coloring. We also use the following for decorating cookies: sprinkles, m&ms, and mini marsh mellows