Christmas Stars - Easier Version

I found this on a German food blog and am posting for ZWT6. They state that this is a different version of the standard Christmas Star cookies made using ground almonds which can cause a bit of work and frustration. So I thought I'd post it for those of us who would like the flavors without all the work. I hope this works out well.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 24 cookies

Ingredients

• Cookies

• 1  cup shortening (or use 1 cup softened butter)
• 2⁄3 cup sugar
• 2  eggs
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1  teaspoon  almond flavoring
• 2 3⁄4 cups flour

• Frosting

• 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
• 2  tablespoons milk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla (or use the 1/4 tsp almond flavoring)
•  food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. Cream together the shortening and sugar.
2. Beat in the eggs, salt and flavorings.
3. Stir in the flour until smoothly blended. Chill in the fridge for about an hour.
4. Roll out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cut with your favorite cookie cutters (stars are great for the traditional shape for Christmas).
5. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheets until lightly browned around the edges, about 8-10 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before removing to rack to cool completely.
6. Frosting: Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together thoroughly. Divide and color each portion if desired. Frost the cookies.