1/2 c shortening
1/2 c butter
1 c granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Beat shortening, butter, sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Combine dry ingredients, blend into mixture. Chill dough for easy handling, then roll out on lightly floured surface. Cut out easter basket shapes with cookie cutter. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 400 degrees F for 6 – 8 minutes, until lightly browned. Let cool before removing from sheet.
Frosting Recipe
2 c confectioners sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp hot water
Candy decorations
Combine ingredients in bowl. Beat until smooth. Divide into 4 bowls, then tint with the food coloring. Spread frosting on cookies and decorate.