If you have more than 6 grandchildren or children, or just family members that like the baskets, then make more hard-boiled Easter eggs and shape more baskets.
Cookies
10 cups flour
2 cups shortening
1/2 cup butter softened
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 tbsp baking powder
9 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla or anise extract
1 tsp salt
6 hard boiled colored Easter eggs
Icing
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
Milk as necessary
Food coloring
Cookies
In a stand mixer or with hand beaters, beat the shortening and the butter together. Add the sugar, beat 1 minute then add the eggs and extract.
In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. Remove the shortening bowl from the mixer and stir in the dry ingredients one cup at a time. I use a wooden spoon to start with, by the time I get to the 6 cup I use my hand to mix it. It is the best kitchen utensil I have.
Stir until all the flour is blended in.
Here is where you get creative. I like to make mine look like baskets with the egg in the middle. I even put a handle on my basket. My daughter-in-law made a large bunny face and used the egg as a nose. I am not sure what my granddaughter made but she was very happy about it!!
Shape the cookies and put them on a cookie sheet. I use a silpat because my sheets are a little dark but you do not need to. Bake them for 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your baskets. They will remain a light color, you do not want them to brown.
After you make as many baskets as you want, shape the rest of the cookies into any Easter shape you like. We did bunnies, eggs and flowers.
When the cookies are completely cooled, frost them with the icing (recipe below) and any type of sprinkles you would like. We used a variety of what we had at home.
Icing
Place the sugar in a large bowl, add the vanilla and then add the milk 1 tablespoon at a time. Stir until combined and smooth. Tint with food coloring. We made 6 colors to decorate with.