Buttery Cut-Out Christmas Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. 1

   Combine the first five ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

2. 2

   Beat at about medium speed until well combined and creamy, about 3-4 minutes.

3. 3

   Gradulay add flour, and beat until well mixed, about 2-3 minutes more.

4. 4

   Divide dough in half, and wrap each on in plastic wrap.

5. 5

   Refrigerate until firm, at least two hours.

6. 6

   Preheat oven to 375°.

7. 7

   Roll out dough half on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4" thick.

8. 8

   Keep the other half in the fridge until ready to use.

9. 9

   Cut out the shapes your prefer, using a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter.

10. 10

    Place 1" apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.

11. 11

    (I lined my sheets with nonstick "release" foil).

12. 12

    If I'm making Christmas cookie shapes, I sprinkle the cookies with red, green, or multi-colored sugars before baking.

13. 13

    Bake for 7-9 minutes or until edges are just slightly browned.

14. 14

    Note: I find 8 minutes is the magic number for my oven. These cookies may also be baked plain, and decorated with icings after they are cooled.