Easter also means sweet treats. There are lots of traditional recipes to try out this time of year. This kid-friendly recipe from Taste of Home is fun for the whole family to make (and eat). The cutout cookies with a zingy lemon flavor are perfect for decorating by little hands.
LEMON CUTOUT COOKIES
1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt Frosting 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shortening 1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners sugar
Colored sugars for decorating
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and extracts.
2. In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Add to butter mixture gradually.
3. Divide dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion to 1/8- inch thick. Cut with Easter- or springthemed cookie cutters and place on a greased cookie sheet 1 inch apart.
4. Bake six to eight minutes or until golden. Cool on pans two minutes, then place on wire racks to cool completely.
5. Meanwhile, make the frosting. Beat cream cheese, shortening and extracts in a bowl until blended. Beat in confectioners sugar until smooth. Spread over cookies and decorate with colored sugar. Let stand until set and store in airtight containers.
