NutCracker  Cookies


2 Cups Butter or Margarine, Softened
1 Cup Sugar
3 Egg Yolks
4 Cups Plain Flour
1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon Almond Extract
Powdered Sugar Paints

Beat Butter at medium speed with a mixer until creamy;
gradually add Sugar, beating well.
Add Egg Yolks one at a time, beating after each addition.
Combine Flour, Baking Powder,and Salt;
Gradually add to Butter mixture,
beating at low speed until blended after each addition.
Stir in Flavorings.Divide dough in half;
Wrap each portion in Plastic Wrap. Chill at least 4 hours.
Roll 1 portion at a time to 1/4 -inch thickness on a lightly  Floured surface.
Cut with a 6-inch (toy soldier) Cookie Cutter;
place 2-inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Bake at 350*F. for 15 mins. or until edges are golden.
Cool Baking Sheets on wire racks 3 mins;
Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
Decorate with Powdered Sugar Paints, using a small spatula or paintbrush.
Yields: 22 cookies       


                             Powdered Sugar Paints

3 cups Sifted Powdered Sugar
2 T. Light Corn Syrup
2-3 T. Milk 
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Assorted Food Colorings:

Stir together Sugar and Syrup;
Stir in Milk and Vanilla to desired spreading consistency.
Place mixture evenly into several small bowls;
Stir drops of a different foodcoloring in each bowl.

Yields: about 3 cups