Sprinkle Sugar Drops

I wanted to make something fun for my kiddos for the holiday.  Sugar cookies are always a favorite but sometimes you just don't want to deal with frosting.  These hit the spot!  They are festive, quick, and easy.  And the best part of all is the kids love them.

Sprinkle Sugar Drops

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp colored sprinkle sugar

Preheat oven to 350 F.  In a large bowl or Kitchen Aid cream the butter, shortening and sugar for 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time beating well after each addition.  Scrape the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla and mix until incorporated.  Scrape the sides of the bowl, making sure to get the bottom.  In a separate bowl combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.  Add to the butter mixture in two additions mixing on low just until the flour is all incorporated.

In another bowl or in a gallon zip top bag combine the remaining sugar and colored sprinkle sugar.  Give a quick stir or shake to combine.  Using a medium scoop drop the dough into the sugar and shake to coat.  Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet and if desired press down lightly with the bottom of a glass.  Bake for 8-10 minutes until set, not brown. Let cool for 3 minutes on the cookie sheet then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

These cookies are a little doughy still right when you pull them from the oven.  They taste better after they have had a chance to cool and set up.

Makes 3 dozen medium cookies