Cakies

Preparation

Baking Directions:

To make the cakies:Day 1:Place the shortening and sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until creamy.

Reduce the speed to low and blend in the eggs, one at a time.

Add the sour cream, blending until just combined.

Add the vanilla and mix until smooth, about 1 minute.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator overnight.

Day 2:In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda and salt.

Set aside.

Return the shortening and sugar mixture bowl from the refrigerator to the mixing stand.

With the mixer on low speed, blend in the flour mixture, a little at a time, until just incorporated.

The cookie dough will look like thick and sticky tapioca pudding.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and return to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper (or use nonstick cooking spray).

When the cookie dough is cold, drop it by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies.

Place the remaining dough in the refrigerator between batches to keep it chilled.

Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until the cookies begin to turn golden.

Remove from the oven and cool for 2 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to let cool completely.

Spread the frosting onto the cooled cookies.

Add colored sugar crystals or other decorations while the frosting is warm.

To make the frosting:Place the confectioners' sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.

Slowly add the butter and vanilla and mix on medium-low speed until well combined, about 1 minute.

Add 2 tablespoons water and mix until blended.

Add more water 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed, to achieve the desired consistency (thick enough to spread).

Sugar Mommas Notes:There are rules for a successful cookie exchange.

Follow Wilton's book, "Wilton Cookie Exchange," or go online to the Martha Stewart Cookie-Swap Party Planner.

Use these guidelines or create traditions of your own.

Drop by your local discount store once in a while to pick up festive platters, boxes or tins, and colored cellophane wrap, and ribbons so guests can transport their loot home in pretty packages.

Sass it up: Be the sassiest gal at the party by bringing the best hostess gift.

If you want to outshine the other moms, bring decorative, food-safe parchment paper to line the trays or package the cookies.

Wilton sells holiday-themed sheets.

What a find!Modern variations: Use pearlized sprinkles to get a bold dash of color in the form of colored mini beads.

In the holiday spirit?

Use red, white and green crystals or sprinkles in the shape of trees, snowflakes or gingerbread boys.

For colored frosting, add food coloring, one drop at a time, to get your desired tint.