Think you’re too busy for a holiday baking spree? Think again. Our make-ahead dough recipe makes these gorgeous cookies a snap. Invite over friends and family and get rolling!

SUGAR COOKIE DOUGH
Whip up this dough and turn it into five yummy cookie varieties.

Prep: 20 minutes   chill: 1 hour

3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
4 cups all-purpose flour

In a large mixing bowl beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour. Cover and chill dough for 1 hour or overnight until dough is easy to handle. Shape and bake as directed in the following cookie recipes.