Easy Christmas Cookies

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups (1.125 L)  pastry flour
1 tsp (5 mL) baking powder 
1/2 cup (125 mL) shortening
1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter
2 cups (500 mL) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup (250 mL) sour cream
2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla 

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 F (200° C)

In a large bowl, whisk flour and baking powder together.

 In a medium metal bowl, beat shortening, softened butter, and eggs together.

Gradually add sugar and vanilla until well combined.

Using a wooden spoon, mix in sour cream.

Gradually add flour mixture and mix until well combined.

Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours.

On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) thick.

Use cookie cutters to shape cookies as desired.

Place on a greased cookie sheet 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Let cook on a wire rack.