Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (gel preferred)

Instructions:

  1. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch between cookies. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
  9. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add food coloring as desired. Decorate cooled cookies with icing.