1/2 cup Butter or margarine (softened)
1/2 cup Vegetable shortening
1 cup Powdered sugar (sifted)
1 Egg
1 tsp Vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups All purpose flour
1/2 tsp Salt
Egg yolk paint ingredients:
1 Egg yolk (beaten)
1/4 tsp Water
Assorted food coloring
Cream together butter and vegetable shortening. Gradually add sugar, beating well at medium speed. Add egg and vanilla extract and beat well. Combine together flour and salt. Stir flour and salt into creamed mixture. Chill the dough for 1 hour or more until firm. Divide dough in halves, storing each portion in the refrigerator while working with the other half. Roll dough to 1/8 inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes with 2-inch cookie cutter or shaped cookie cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Using small paintbrush, paint designs or names onto cookies with the Egg Yolk Paint. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 9-10 minutes or until lightly golden browned. Cool on wire racks.
EGG YOLK PAINT DIRECTIONS:
Combine the egg yolk with water, stirring well. Divide the mixture into several cups or small bowls. Tint each as desired with the food colorings. Keep each paint mixture covered until ready to apply. If the paint thickens, simply add few drops of water and stir well. Brush on cookies before baking.