Buttery Velvet Cut-outs

Total Time: 27 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients

• 2 cups butter, softened
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 egg yolks, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 1/2 cups flour
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup milk
• food coloring

Recipe

• 1 to make cookies: blend together butter and cream cheese; add sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla. gradually add flour and chill for 2 hours. roll out on a floured surface to 1/4" thick. use cookie cutters to cut. place on greased baking sheets (i use parchment paper). bake at 350f for 10-12 minutes. let cool completely before frosting.
• 2 to make frosting: combine 1-1/2 c powdered sugar, butter, shortening, vanilla, and milk; beat until smooth. add remaining sugar and beat on medium speed for 3 minutes until creamy. if using different food colorings, divide frosting and add flood coloring to each bowl. frost cookies.