Mrs. Fields & iVillage 30th Anniversary Cookie Contest (686 photos) Cookie Cutter Favorites (4 photos)

MY CHILDREN'S MITTENS

MY CHILDREN���S MITTENS �� cup butter,,softened �� cup shortening 1 8oz. package cream cheese, softened 3 cups sifted confectioners sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon almond flavoring �� teaspoon vanilla 4 �� cups flour 1 teaspoon baking powder �� teaspoon salt Any color paste food coloring In a mixing bowl beat together butter, shortening and cream cheese. Beat in sugar carefully. Beat in eggs and flavorings. Stir in the dry ingredients until combined. Divide dough into 4 bowls. Add food coloring into three bowls making 3 different shades of your chosen color. Leave one bowl plain. Cover each bowl and chill for one hour. On a floured board or surface roll out one portion at a time to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 1 inch strips with a fluted pastry cutter then cut strips into various sizes. Overlap pieces in different colors and sizes into groups of 10 onto ungreased cookie sheets. Cut each group with a floured 3 inch mitten cutter. Any scraps combine and reroll into marble cutouts. Sprinkle with coarse sugar sprinkles. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden on the bottom. Transfer to cooling racks. Makes 36 to 40 cookies. These cookies were inspired by my children���s mittens and the patchwork quilts my grandmother had on her beds. It���s interesting how our childhood memories creep into our baking. I have six children and 15 grandchildren so hopefully these cookies will inspire their future baking. These cookies can be made in any shape and shades of colors. They make great fall leaves, spring flowers and lovely sand pails.