1 box duncan hines classic decadent cake mix white yellow
0.3 cup shortening
0.3 cup butter softened
0.5 teaspoon vanilla
1 eggs
1 serving purple gel food coloring
Equipment
bowl
baking sheet
oven
knife
pot
hand mixer
cookie cutter
rolling pin
drinking straws
Directions
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.
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.
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.
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.
