Painted Sugar Cookies

Tinted corn syrup is the 'paint' used to create pretty designs on these cut-out sugar cookies before they're baked.

Recipe Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 package plastic wrap
4 teaspoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon water
1/8 teaspoon red food coloring
1/8 teaspoon green food coloring
1/8 teaspoon yellow food coloring
1/8 teaspoon blue food coloring

Cooking Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together butter, shortening, sugar, baking soda, and salt until blended. Beat in egg and vanilla until fluffy. Reduce mixer to low speed gradually fold in flour, mixing until just blended.
3. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill at least 30 minutes.
4. Roll out portions of dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thick.
5. Cut with cookie cutters into the desired shapes and place about 2-inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
6. In four small cups divide light corn syrup and water. Tint with red food coloring, green food coloring, yellow food coloring, and blue food coloring.
7. Paint designs on each cookie to decorate.
8. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly browned. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool.

Makes 3 dozen cookies.