We're passing these out to friends on New Year's Eve.

Most Perfect Cut-Out Cookies

1/2 cup butter for the flavor, nothing can beat butter for that
1/4 cup shortening for the texture, adds a crisp snap
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Beat first three ingredients until light and fluffy.  Beat in egg and vanilla.  Combine dry ingredients and mix in.  Form mixture into disk and cover in plastic wrap.  Chill for at least an hour.  Roll dough 1/8 inch thick and cut with cookie cutters.  Sprinkle with sugar and bake on greased cookie sheet at 375 degrees F for 11 minutes or until lightly browned.  Transfer to racks to cool.  A simple family favorite.

Follow directions for Royal Icing on the Wilton Meringue Powder can.  Use #4 tip for writing.

I'm feeling very wistful and thoughtful about this year ending and a new one beginning.  It reminds me to take the opportunity to think about what I am thankful for and what I have to be grateful for.  So much, and I pray I never take it for granted.

Thank you all for visiting my blog over the year.  I appreciate all my readers, it means a lot to me that you stop by and I love it when you have time to comment.  Thank you so much and happy new year!