Simple Sugar Cookies

What you will need:

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
3 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt




What to do:

1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. 
2.In a separate bowl combined the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add into the creamed mixture. mix well.

3.Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).

4.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Roll out dough 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. [Check out my Tips & Tricks page for easy way to roll out cookie dough]

5.Cut into shapes with any cookie cutter. Place cookies 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets, parchment paper or baking sheets.

6.Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. 

7.Cool completely on wire racks.

Decorating[optional]

What you will need:

3 cups confectioners sugar

1/4 cup 2% milk 

food colouring 

What to do:

1. In a medium size bowl stir together the sugar and the milk until smooth.

2. If using multiple food colouring, divide the icing into small bowls based on the number of colours and the amount of each colour needed.
3. Tint as desired with food colouring, mix well.
4. Transfer into pastry bags using a spatula. 
4. Using pastry bags with small round tips, or cut a small hole in a corner of the bag; decorate cookies as desired.
5. Let stand at room temperature for a few hours or until icing is dry and firm.
6. Store in air tight containers.

Makes approx. 60 Cookies [based on 1/4 inch rolled dough]

Have fun decorating!

* Recipe adapted from Taste of Home; Ultimate Cookie Swap Magazine