Ingredients
1-1/2 cups butter, softened1-1/2 cups sugar2 large eggs, room temperature2 tablespoons vanilla extract4 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon cream of tartarFROSTING:1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar3 tablespoons butter, softened1 tablespoon vanilla extract1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milkOptional: Food coloring, sprinkles and colored sugar
Preparation
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking soda and cream of tartar. Gradually beat into creamed mixture. Refrigerate, covered, for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2-1/2-in. cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets; chill in refrigerator for 15 minutes. Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
For frosting, beat confectioners’ sugar, butter, vanilla and enough milk to reach desired consistency. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring. Cut a small hole in the tip of a pastry bag or in a corner of a food-safe plastic bag; transfer frosting to bag. Pipe decorations. Sprinkle with colored sugar or decorate with sugar pearls.
