Paintbrush Cookies

1 cup sugar

¾ cup shortening (part margarine or butter, softened)

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

2½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

Egg Yolk Paint (below)

Mix sugar, shortening, eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.

Roll dough 1/8 inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered board. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Prepare Egg Yolk Paint. Paint designs on cookies with small paintbrushes. Heat oven to 400°. Bake until cookies are delicate golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. About 4 dozen 3-inch cookies.

EGG YOLK PAINT

Mix 1 egg yolk and ¼ teaspoon water. Divide mixture among several small custard cups. Tint each with different food color to make bright colors. If paint thickens while standing, stir in few drops water.

 

It is a quote. Betty Crocker’s Christmas Cookbook 1982