Give-a-Hand Cookies

 

1

cup granulated sugar

3/4

cup butter or margarine, softened

1

teaspoon vanilla

2

eggs

2 1/2

cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1

teaspoon baking powder

1

teaspoon salt

1 1/2

cups powdered sugar

3

to 3 1/2 tablespoons milk

Betty Crocker® decorating icings (in 4.25-oz tubes)

Assorted small candies

• 1 In large bowl, beat granulated sugar and butter with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in vanilla and eggs. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour until firm.
• 2 Make cardboard hand shape by tracing around hand placed on medium-weight cardboard or sturdy plastic designed for crafts; cut out shape.
• 3 Heat oven to 400°F. On lightly floured cloth-covered surface, roll half of dough at a time 3/16 inch thick. Place hand shape on dough (or use hand-shaped cookie cutter); trace around hand with pastry wheel or knife. On ungreased cookie sheet, place hand shapes 2 inches apart.
• 4 Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched in center. Carefully remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• 5 In small bowl, mix glaze ingredients until smooth and spreadable. Spread glaze over cookies. Decorate as desired with icings and candies.