Ingredients
2 cups butter, softened1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened2 cups sugar2 large egg yolks, room temperature2 teaspoons vanilla extract5 cups all-purpose flourFROSTING:3-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar3 tablespoons butter, softened1 tablespoon shortening1 teaspoon vanilla extract4 to 5 tablespoons 2% milkFood coloring of choice, optionalAssorted sprinkles or candies, optional
Preparation
Beat butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour. Divide dough into 4 portions; shape each into a disk. Cover; refrigerate until firm enough to roll, about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with floured 3-in. holiday cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake until edges are light golden, 12-14 minutes. Cool on pans 5 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, beat confectioners’ sugar, butter, shortening, vanilla and enough milk to reach desired consistency. If desired, tint with food coloring. Spread or pipe over cookies. Decorate as desired.
