Cream Cheese Cutouts

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup margarine or butter
• 1 3-ounce package cream cheese
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl beat margarine and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add about half of the flour, the sugar, egg, baking powder, and vanilla. Beat till thoroughly combined. Beat in remaining flour. Cover; chill 1 hour or till easy to handle.
2. Divide the chilled dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time 1/2 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes with a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter. Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375° oven about 8 minutes or till edges are lightly browned. Cool cookies on a wire rack.
3. Chocolate Cream Cheese Cutouts: Prepare as above, except add 2 squares (2 ounce) semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled, with the first half of the flour.
4. Citrus Cream Cheese Cutouts: Prepare as above, except add 1/2 teaspoon finely shred ded lemon or orange peel and 1 tablespoon lem on or orange juice with the vanilla.