Sugar Christmas Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 16 ounce package powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)
• Colored granulated sugar for topping (optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Cream 1 cup butter with 1 1/2 cups sugar, gradually adding the sugar and beating until light and fluffy. Add 2 eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract.

2. 2

   Combine 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add flour mixture to creamed butter mixture, stirring well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.

3. 3

   Work with one-fourth of dough at a time, storing remainder in refrigerator. Roll dough to 1/4- to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with assorted cookie cutters and place on ungreased cookie sheets.

4. 4

   Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 8 to 9 minutes. Cool cookies slightly on cookie sheets, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

5. 5

   Combine 1/2 cup softened butter and 1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar, creaming until light and fluffy. Add 3 tablespoons half-and-half and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until frosting reaches spreading consistency.

6. 6

   Color frosting with food coloring if desired. Spread frosting onto cooled cookies. Sprinkle with colored granulated sugar if desired.