Cookie Monster Cookies

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar together for about 2 minutes or until creamy.
3. Add flour and beat again. Dough will be powder-like, however, it will take shape after beating for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Place dough covered in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
6. Form 1-inch balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet.
7. Using a flat-bottom glass lightly spray with cooking spray, flatten dough balls until they are about ¼-inch thick.
8. Bake cookies for 15-18 minutes or until slightly golden brown. After 5 minutes place cookies on a wire rack.

Decorate

1. To prepare frosting, beat shortening in a large bowl until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar and milk in three separate batches, beating after each.
3. Add vanilla and beat until smooth.
4. Add food coloring gel until desired coloring is reached. This will depend on the type of food coloring gel you are using.
5. Transfer frosting to a large pastry bag with a star-shaped tip on it.
6. Using black frosting, pipe a mouth on each cookie. I then used a toothpick to fill in the mouth.
7. Using blue frosting, create the rest of Cookie Monster’s head, leaving a small part at the top unfrosted for the eyes.
8. Put a small amount of frosting on the back of the eyes to secure two of them onto each cookie. Serve.