Holiday Sugar Cookies

I love the holiday season!
I've already had a huge kick start by decorating my families tree, gingerbread decorating competitions, Cyber Monday shopping and decorating my apartment...and it is only December 1st!

Last night on TV Dusty and I watched Shrek the Halls and How the Grinch Stole Christmas and this instantly put me in the mood to make Sugar Cookies with my new cookie cutters and sprinkles!

Here is what you are going to need for Holiday Sugar Cookies:
-3/4 cup softened Butter
-1 cup Sugar
-2 eggs
-1/2 tsp Vanilla
-2-1/2 cups Flour
-1 tsp Baking Powder
-1/2 tsp Salt

In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the flour, baking powder and salt. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least an hour. The longer, the better!

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, grease the baking sheet and roll out your dough to about 1/4 in thickness. I highly recommend placing the ball of dough and rolling it out between two pieces of parchment paper or wax paper. Using the old "flour" method makes the dough tough and makes a huge mess!

The next step is the best part! Cut your cookies out into any design you want with your cookie cutters!

Place the cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 6-8 minutes. You will know they are done with the bottoms begin to brown. Allow them to cool for 5 to 10 minutes on a wire rack.

Now....you can't have Holiday Sugar Cookies without Frosting and Sprinkles!

Here is what you need for a Basic Frosting:
-1 cup Powdered Sugar
-1/4 tsp Vanilla
-1 tbsp Milk

Blend it together until it is the right consistency and ice your cookies!!!!
And don't forget to add some sprinkles!

Happy Holidays!