Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies

Eggnog is a traditional Christmas drink made with eggs, cream and sugar and sometimes flavored with rum,brandy or whiskey. This recipe uses it as a flavor for the cookies and then decorated with a egg yolk "paint". Makes a fun activity for the kids.

• Ready In: 1 hr 11 mins
• Yields: 6 1/2 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• COOKIES

• 2  cups sugar
• 1  cup butter, softened
• 2  eggs
• 1⁄3 cup  eggnog
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 4 1⁄2 cups flour
• 1  teaspoon nutmeg
• 2  teaspoons baking powder

• EGG YOLK PAINT

• 2  egg yolks
• 1⁄2 teaspoon water
•  assorted colors of liquid  food coloring

Directions

1. In large bowl, combine sugar, butter and eggs; beat until light and fluffy.
2. Stir in eggnog and vanilla.
3. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.
4. In medium bowl, combine flour, nutmeg and baking powder.
5. Add flour mixture to butter mixture; blend well.
6. Cover dough with plastic wrap; refrigerate 30 minutes for easier handling.
7. Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine egg yolks and water; blend well.
8. Divide mixture into several small cups; tint with food color.
9. If paint thickens, add a few drops water.
10. Heat oven to 350.
11. On floured board, roll half of dough at a time to 1/8-inch thickness.
12. Cut with assorted 2 1/2 to 3 inch cutters, re-rolling dough as necessary.
13. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
14. Using small paint brush, paint designs on cookies with egg yolk paint.
15. Bake at 350 for 8 to 11 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.
16. Remove from cookie sheets.