Fun & Tasty Paintbrush Cookies

Making the Cookies

• To prepare cookie dough, sift flour and measure. In medium bowl, sift together flour, soda and salt; set aside. 
• In bowl of stand mixer fitted with paddle, mix thoroughly on medium speed for about 2 minutes the shortening, sugar, egg, honey and vanilla.
• Stir in the flour mixture and mix until combined. 
• Cover bowl and chill dough at least 1 hour to make it easy to handle. 
• When ready to shape cookies, prepare egg yolk paint. In small bowl, beat together egg yolk and water. Divide mixture among several small bowls. Stir in a different food color to make bright colors. 
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray baking sheets with non-stick spray or line with parchment paper. Divide dough in half; keep one-half chilled. 
• On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out using floured rolling pin. Roll to ¼-inch thickness. 
• Dip cookie cutter in flour to prevent sticking. Cut as many cookies from each rolling as possible. Using a metal spatula, transfer cookies to prepared baking sheet 2-inches apart.
• Paint designs on cookies with small, clean paintbrushes using a different brush for each color. If egg yolk paint thickens on standing, add a few drops of water. 
• Bake 6 – 8 minutes. Look at cookies when minimum baking time is up; do not over-bake. For clear colors do not let cookies brown. Remove from oven, with a wide spatula, transfer onto rack to cool. Store cookies in air-tight container.