1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
red food coloring
mini-chocolate chips (for eyes and buttons)
Red Hots for nose
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees
Beat the butter on high for 30 seconds. Add sugar, beat until combined, scraping down sides of bowl. Beat in milk and vanilla. Gradually add flour.
Remove 1 cup of dough and set aside. Mix red food coloring in the remaining dough. Make a one 1-inch ball and five 1/2-inch balls from the red dough. From the plain dough, make a 3/4-inch ball and four 1/4-inch. Attach them by pushing the dough together, like picture shows. Add the chocolate chips for the eyes and three buttons. After the Santas are assembled on a cookie sheet, bake them for 12-15 minutes. Let cool for 2 minutes.
Recipe for frosting:
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
Directions:
Beat shortening and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in mixer for 30 seconds. Gradually add powdered sugar and enough milk to make frosting piping consistency.
Spoon frosting into a decorating bag and use a medium, star tip to pipe the Santa's beard, hat and add the nose! Voila, you have a charming little cookie!