Roly-Poly Santas

(Makes 12)

Ingredients for Santas

1 cup butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/4 cups flour

Red food coloring

Mini chocolate chips (for eyes and buttons)

Red Hots for nose  

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Beat butter on high for 30 seconds. Add sugar, beat until combined., scraping down sides of bowl. Beat in milk and vanilla. Gradually add flour.

Remove 1 cup of dough and set aside. Mix red food coloring in the remaining dough. Make one 1 inch ball and five 1/2 inch balls from the red dough. From the plain dough make 3/4 inch ball and four 1/4 inch. Attach them by just pushing the dough together, like picture shows. Add the chocolate chip eyes and buttons. After they are all assembled on a cookie sheet, bake them for 12-15 minutes. Let cool for 2 minutes. 

Ingredients for frosting:

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/3 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk  

Directions:

Beat shortening and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in mixer for 30 seconds. Gradually add powdered sugar and enough milk to make frosting piping consistency.

Spoon frosting into a decorating bag and use a medium, star tip to pipe the Santa's beard, and hat. Don't forget to add the nose!

http://mlovesm.blogspot.com/2010/12/edens-roly-poly-santas.html