Star Cookie Wreath

In a mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the sugar, baking powder, and a dash of salt. Beat mixture until combined.

Beat in the egg and vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in remaining flour by hand. Divide dough in half. If necessary, cover and chill dough for 3 hours or until the dough is easy to handle.

On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time to 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 2- to 5-inch cookie cutter, cut into desired sizes (our larger cutter was 5 inches wide). Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Using a straw, punch two holes near the center of each cookie to thread ribbon through.

Bake in 375 degree F oven 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are light brown. Cool on a wire rack. Frost with glaze, if you like.