Homemade Santa Sugar Cookies

I made these Santa cookies to leave for SANTA.  I thought it would be a great idea and it is something we can possibly continue to do throughout the years and it is something that Brayden could enjoy creating when he gets a little older.  These cute little guys were so much fun to make!

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups butter, softened

1-1/2 cups shortening

1-1/2 cups sugar

1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

3 eggs

4-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

6-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1-1/2 teaspoons salt

FROSTING:

• 1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• Red Cookie Icing
• 1 carton whipped vanilla frosting
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• Red colored sugar
• Red jimmies

Directions

In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. 

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.

Combine the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until easy to handle.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-in. thickness.

Cut with a 3-1/2-in. heart-shaped cookie cutter and place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until firm (do not overbake).

Remove to wire racks to cool.

Frosting

In a microwave melt semi-sweet chips on high for about 1 minute; stir. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Using a piping bag insert #10 round tip. Add melted chocolate.

For eyes, pipe two dots in the center of each cookie.

Using red cookie icing create the red nose.

In a small bowl, combine the frosting, butter and sugar.

For hat, frost the top 1 in. of the pointed end of cookie. Sprinkle with red sugar.

Frost the sides and rounded ends for beard. Place two jimmies for the mouth.

Using another piping bag, insert #16 star tip. Fill with remaining frosting.

Pipe a zigzag boarder under hat for fur hatband. Pipe a pom-pom on top of hat. 

ENJOY!!