Halloween Sugar Cookie Cut Outs are a fun, easy, and festive way to celebrate the holiday while adding a delicious treat! So easy your children can help and join in the fun!

Prep Time is approximately 45-60 minutes (this includes the 30 minute chill time for the dough in the fridge) - (I sometimes keep the dough in the fridge longer for a better roll and cut)

• 1/2 Cup Soft Shortening
• 1/2 Cup (1 Stick) Softened Butter
• 1 1/2 Cups White Granulated Sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 2 Tablespoons Milk
• 2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 2 1/2 Cups Flour
• 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• Food Coloring (Optional) - (I use black and orange for cats and pumpkins)

•  1 Large Mixing Bowl
• 1 Large Mixing Spoon (I use a wooden one)
• 1 Cup & Half Cup Measuring Cups
• Tablespoon Measuring Spoon
• Teaspoon Measuring Spoon
• 1/2 Teaspoon Measuring Spoon
• Rolling Pin
• Wax Paper
• Cookie Cutters
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray (Pam)

• Mix well in large mixing bowl - Shortening, Butter, Eggs, Sugar, Milk, and Vanilla Extract.
• On a sheet of Wax Paper - Measure the Flour, Baking Powder and Salt. Gently mix or "cut" the dry ingredients together.
• Slowly add the dry ingredients to the mixture in the mixing bowl. Add about 1/4 of the dry ingredients at a time. Stir well between additions.
• Once mixing is complete, dough will be thick.
• If using food coloring, separate desired amounts of dough into separate, smaller bowls.
• Add different colors to each bowl as desired.
• Cover bowls with wax paper and put them in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. (Like I said before, I like to put them in for at least an hour)

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
•  Lightly flour clean working space - (I use my countertop. The granite is cool which helps keep the dough cool and makes it easier for rolling and cutting.
• One color at a time, use lightly floured rolling pin to roll dough out somewhat thin.
• Cut into desired shapes
• Place on lightly greased (I use non-stick cooking spray - such as PAM)
• Sprinkle tops of cookies with sugar.
• Bake cookies at 425 degrees F for approximately 5-7 minutes. Oven times may vary. Bottoms of cookies should be lightly browned.
• Let cool and enjoy!