Cutout Sugar Cookies

I found this recipe in Country Woman and decided to make it. I have not had any luck with making sugar cookies and having them be able to roll out. So I figured what the heck might as well give it a try. So I made them today and they turned out great and I was able to roll them out. I know that there is alot of sugar cookie recipes on here but I wanted to post this one so that I would able to find it again when I need it.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 8 mins
• Yields: 5 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 3  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  cup sugar
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 1⁄2 cup  cold butter
• 2  eggs
• 1  tablespoon milk
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract

• FROSTING

• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 4  cups confectioners' sugar
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 -4  tablespoons milk
•  food coloring (optional)
•  colored crystal sugar (optional)
•  decorating  candy (optional)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Cut in the shortening and butter until crumbly. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and vanilla; add to flour mixture and mix well.
2. Divide dough into three balls; cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
3. Remove one portion of dough from the refrigerator at a time On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness Cut with a floured 2-in. cookie cutter. Place 1 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
4. Bake at 325 for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool for 1 minute before removing to wire racks to cool completely.
5. For frosting, in a large bowl, cream the butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough cream to achieve spreading consistency. Tint with food coloring if desired. Frost cookies. Decorate with colored sugar and candies if desired.