Christmas Cookies

     My mom used to make these cookies for my high school swim team when we would go to sectionals or other big meet. They were always a favorite because they taste very similar to smiley face cookies from a certain bakery in town (This is for you, Kelli!). She would make them with a star cookie cutter since the star was our mascot. Since I'm all grown up now, if I want these cookies I have to make them myself. It's a once a year deal, folks. I just don't like to roll cookies, which is why J does that part. That is part of the deal, I'll make the cookies if he rolls them out.
     These are pretty much my favorite cookies. Ever.

3/4 cup shortening mixed with butter (about half and half)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla
2-1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
Icing:
powdered sugar
vanilla
water
food coloring

• Mix shortening/butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until creamy.
• Sift and stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Chill dough for at least an hour. 
• Roll to about 1/4 inch thick.
• Cut as desired. 
• Bake 7-10 minutes @ 350* til the edges barely turn.
• Cool completely
• For the icing: Put about 1/4 bag of powdered sugar in a bowl. Add 1/2 tsp vanilla, then a small amount of water til it's the right consistency. If you want several colors, separate icing into individual bowls now. Add food coloring one drop at a time.