STAR SHAPED CUT OUT RECIPES

Steps:

• For the cookies: Beat the shortening, granulated sugar, orange zest and vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until thoroughly combined, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the egg until light and fluffy, then beat in the milk. Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl. With the mixer on low speed, beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture until just combined. Divide the dough in half; flatten each half between 2 sheets of parchment or wax paper, wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or freeze for 20 minutes. For the glaze: Whisk the egg yolk, water and food coloring in a small bowl until well combined. Preheat the oven to 375 °. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out 1 piece of dough on a lightly floured surface until about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into stars or other shapes with 2- to 3-inch cookie cutters. Arrange the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared pans. Brush the tops with the egg yolk glaze. Bake the cookies until set but not browned, about 6 minutes. Let cool 3 minutes on the pan, then remove to racks to cool completely. Decorate with royal icing and sanding sugar. Let set about 1 hour.

Steps:

• With an electric mixer, beat 2 cups sugar and butter until soft and creamy. Beat in milk, eggs and vanilla.
• In a separate large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture in thirds, mixing well after each addition.
• Divide dough into fourths, wrap each piece in plastic and chill, at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Mix remaining 1/4 cup sugar with cinnamon; cover and set aside.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Working with one fourth at a time on a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to a little less than 1/4 inch thick. Use a 4-inch, 5-point star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Place stars 2 inches apart on cookie sheet; sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Bake until cookies spring back slightly when pressed in center, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on pans on wire racks for 5 minutes; remove cookies to racks to cool completely.