Christmas Balls

• 3/4 cup butter; softened
• 1 (3 oz) package cream cheese; softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• small multicolored decorative candies, sprinkles, gumdrops and assorted sugars

Method 

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat or stir in flour. Divide dough in half. Shape each half of dough into a 7 inch long roll. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Chill for overnight for easy handling. Using a sharp knife, cut dough into 1/4 inch thick slices. Place slice about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookies sheet. Using decorative candies, colored sugar, gumdrops rolled out and cut into festive shapes, decorate the slice to resemble Christmas balls. Bake at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool for one minute on cookies sheet and then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. 

Yield: about 56 cookies

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