Happy Holidays Christmas Sugar Cookies

If ever there was a Christmas treat known by most Christmas-celebrating Americans, sugar cookies would be it. Even though sugar cookies can be consumed and enjoyed any time of the year, there's something special about eating a few that are spruced up by Christmas-colored icing, sprinkles, or sugar crystals.

The sugar cookie recipe I am about to share with you, is one that my mom has been making since 1979, five years before I was born even!

Soft Sugar Cookies

2 eggs

1.5 cups sugar

1 cup shortening

1 cup sweet milk

1 tsp. vanilla

4 cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. cream of tartar

2 scant tsp. baking soda

Beat eggs for one minute. Add sugar and shortening, and beat for one minute. Add vanilla and milk. Sift dry ingredients and combine with mixture. Drop by spoon onto cookie sheet (or if you're making into Christmas shapes, roll out down and use cookie cutters, then place on cookie sheet) and bake for six to eight minutes at 375 degrees.

Now, for Christmas, before you pop these into the oven, if you prefer to use sugar crystals or sprinkles for decoration, decorate your cookies before popping them into the oven. For lovers of iced cookies, wait about 20 minutes for cookies to cool off before you attempt to apply icing. If you do not wait, icing WILL melt.

This is a simple, easy-to-make recipe that's so easy, even kids can do it. I know I always enjoyed doing so, growing up. Decorating these delicious delectables were my favorite part!

For serving, place on a colorful platter and display for all to see and partake. If you want to give these treats as gifts, purchase an aluminum Christmas tin, put down a piece of parchment paper, and fill the tin to your heart's content.

Happy baking, and don't forget the milk!