Spooky Halloween Tree

 

1

box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® white or yellow cake mix

1/3

cup shortening

1/3

cup butter or margarine, softened

1/2

teaspoon vanilla

1

egg

Orange liquid or paste food color, as desired

• 1 Heat oven to 375°F (350°F for dark or nonstick pans). In large bowl, beat all ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed about 1 minute or until thoroughly mixed.
• 2 Divide dough in half. On lightly floured surface, roll each half of dough 1/4 inch thick using cloth-covered rolling pin. With 2 1/2-inch cookie cutters, cut into desired shapes, cutting out eyes, nose, etc., if desired, using sharp knife. On ungreased cookie sheets, place shapes.
• 3 Bake 6 to 8 minutes or just until set (centers will be soft). Cool 1 minute. Immediately make hole in tops of some cookies, using end of plastic straw; trim any cut edges with sharp knife to straighten. Remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely.
• 4 Tie ribbon or yarn through holes to hang. Hang ornaments on tree branches anchored in a pot or on Halloween tree (available at craft stores). Decorate remaining cookies as desired, and store covered.