These crisp, tender cutout cookies can be decorated to capture the spirit of your occasion.

COOKIES:

2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1 c. Land O Lakes sweet cream butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tbsp. orange juice
1 tbsp. vanilla

FROSTING:

4 c. confectioners' sugar
1/2 c. Land O Lakes sweet cream butter, softened
3-4 tbsp. milk
2 tsp. vanilla
Food coloring
Colored sugars
Flaked coconut
Cinnamon candies

In 3 quart mixer bowl combine all cookie ingredients. Beat at low speed, scraping sides of bowl often, until well mixed (1-2 minutes). If desired, divide dough into thirds; color 2/3 of dough with desired food colorings. Mix dough until dough is evenly colored. Cover; chill until firm enough to be rolled (2-3 hours).

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out dough, 1/2 at a time, on well floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with 3 inch cookie cutters. If desired, sprinkle colored sugars on some of the cookies or bake and decorate later. Place 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake near center of 400 degree oven for 6-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely; spread with frosting or decorate.

Frosting: In 1 1/2 quart mixer bowl combine all frosting ingredients. Beat at low speed, scraping sides of bowl often until fluffy (1-2 minutes). Frosting can be spread or used with decorator. Yield 3 dozen.

Ideas for decorating.

Wreaths: Cut cookies with 2 inch round cookie cutter; bake. Frost with green colored frosting. Color coconut green, sprinkle frosted cookies with coconut. Place 3 cinnamon candies together to resemble holly.

Christmas Trees: Color dough green; cut with Christmas tree cutter. Sprinkle with colored sugars; bake.

Angels: Cut cookies with angel cookie cutter; bake. Use blue frosting for dress, yellow frosting for hair and white frosting for lace on dress, wings and face.