SOFT MAPLE SUGAR COOKIES

INGREDIENTS:

1. 1/2 cup butter, softened
2. 1/2 cup shortening
3. 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4. 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
5. 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
6. 1 tsp. baking soda
7. 1 tsp. cream of tartar
8. 1/8 tsp. salt
9. 3 egg yolks
10. 1/2 tsp. vanilla
11. 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour

Maple icing

1. 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
2. 1/4 cup butter, melted
3. 3 tbs. pure maple syrup
4. 2 to 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
2. In a large bowl beat butter and shortening with a mixer on medium for 30 seconds. Add the next 6 ingredients (through the salt). Beat on medium for 2 minutes, scraping bowl as needed. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Beat in flour.
3. Shape dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Place 3 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned (tops will still look slightly soft).
4. Cool on cookie sheet for 2 minutes. Remove; cool on a wire rack. Centers will dip as cookies cool. Drizzle with maple icing.

MAPLE ICING

1. Stir together 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk with 1/4 cup melted butter and 3 tablespoons of pure maple syrup. Whisk in 2 to 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar to make icing drizzling consistency.