Step 1

Thoroughly cream together shortening, sugar, and vanilla. Add egg and beat until fluffy then stir in the milk.

Step 2

Sift the remaining dry ingredients together in a separate bowl, stir, then add to the wet ingredients, and mix well.

Step 3

Divide dough in half and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 4

On a floured surface, roll half of the dough to 1/8-inch thick. Keep the remaining dough chilled until ready to roll. Cut into shapes using Christmas cookie cutters.

Step 5

Bake on a greased cookie sheet at 375 for 6-8 minutes.

Step 6

Let cookies cool slightly before removing them from the baking sheet. Once cool, go ahead and decorate them with the cookie icing.

Step 7

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together with a fork (if using three different colors, repeat the process with three different bowls). If too dry, add a little more milk. Once mixed, add a few drops of food coloring.

Step 8

Ice the cooled cookies and then let them set for at least an hour before storing.