Christmas Cut Outs

Hello Everyone!   I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Now that we are in the month of December, I thought I would do a Christmassy recipe.  These are cut out cookies, and perfect for decorating!  They are also a hit with the kids!  We made these with my family while they were visiting for the holiday.  The original recipe for these cookies comes from my Dad's side of the family.  My Grandma used to make dozens and dozens of different cookies to enjoy throughout the month of December.  I am happy to share this one recipe with you all!

Christmas Cut Outs

2 cups softened butter

2 cups sugar

3 eggs

4 T. orange juice

2 teaspoons vanilla

4 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder
decorations of your choice

Directions

Preheat oven to 400*.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat until light and fluffy.  Pour vanilla and orange juice in and combine well.  In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder; add to wet ingredients.  Combine well.  Divide dough into two rounds.  Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate  for 1-2 hours.

Working with one half of dough at a time, remove from plastic wrap onto a well floured surface.  Roll dough out to 1/8-1/4".  Cut with cookie cutters into desired shapes.  (If you want to decorate with sprinkles, now would be the time to do it.)

Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake on the center rack of oven for 6 to 10 minutes , or until just golden brown on the edges. (Cool if you want to decorate with frosting.)  Cool on wire rack.  Enjoy!  (Munch, munch, munch.)

I hope you all decorate these with your families!  After you finish, comment and show us a picture!