Brown Sugar Cutouts

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Frosting

• 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons half-and-half
• green food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   In large mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar.

2. 2

   Add the eggs and lemon peel; beat well.

3. 3

   Combine the flour, baking soda and ginger; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.

4. 4

   Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.

5. 5

   On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness.

6. 6

   Cut with 2-inch cookie cutters.

7. 7

   Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

8. 8

   Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

9. 9

   Remove to wire racks to cool.

10. 10

    For frosting, in a bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough cream to achieve spreading consistency.

11. 11

    Add food coloring if desired to some or all of the frosting.

12. 12

    Decorate cookies.