Lime Twist Trees

Preparation

• In a large mixing bowl beat butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in lime peel, 4 to 5 drops each green and yellow food coloring, and any remaining flour. Cover and chill dough about 1 hour or until easy to handle.

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place a rounded tablespoon of dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a 10- to 12-inch-long rope. On an ungreased cookie sheet, bend rope back and forth into a tree shape, pinching the end at the top into a star shape. Roll a 1/2-inch ball with dough and gently press against bottom of tree for a trunk. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing trees about 2 inches apart.

• Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are light brown. Transfer cookies to a wire rack. If desired, brush with glaze and decorate with sprinkles while cookies are still warm. Cool completely on wire rack.