Basic Holiday Butter Cookies

Yields:	2 dozen
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	Preparation	30 minutes
	Cooking	15 minutes
	Ready In	45 minutes

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Ingredients

1/4	cup	vegetable shortening	plus 1 teaspoon, divided
3/4	cup	butter	unsalted, softened
2	cups	sugar
4	each	egg yolks
1	tablespoon	vanilla extract	pure
1/3	cup	light cream
5	cups	flour, all-purpose
1/4	teaspoon	salt
1/2	cup	cornstarch
4	teaspoons	baking powder

Directions

Preheat to 350F. Grease 2 sheets with 1/2 tsp. each of shortening. If desired, line sheets with parchment paper, but do not grease.

In a large bowl, beat together butter and remaining 1/4 cup shortening till color is even.

Add sugar and beat till fluffy, 3-5 min.

In small bowl beat together yolks, vanilla and light cream. Slowly pour into butter mix. Continue beating till egg mix is thoroughly incorporated.

In separate large bowl sift together flour, salt, starch and baking powder.

Fold flour mix gently into butter mix in 3 additions, beating each addition till incorporated. Scrape down mix occasionally.

Place 4 sheets of plastic wrap on work surface. Place 1/4 of dough on each sheet of plastic. Form each clump of dough into a disk and wrap in plastic.

To Bake: Cut, form or shape 1 disk of dough into 24 cookies, according to individual directions below. Place on prepared sheets.

Bake 15-20 min, depending on size and shape.

Remove cookies from oven and immediately transfer cookies to rack.

When completely cooled, store in tins or freeze, wrapped in freezer wrap or freezer plastic.

Can be frozen 8-12 month.