The extra vanilla make these cookies the best ever sugar cookie. Use any shape cookie cutter, or even a drinking glass for a perfect round shape. These cookies will look fun and festive on your Christmas cookie platter, or make them for your special valentine, or any time of year.

Ingredients:

Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus additional for work surface

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tarter

1 teaspoon salt

1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature

1½ cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Frosting:

3 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 to 4 tablespoons milk

Food coloring (optional)

Colored Sugar (optional)

Tip: Use standard measuring cups and spoons or scales for accurate measuring.

Directions:

Dough:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cream of tarter, and salt. Set aside.
   
   
2. In a large bowl of an electric mixer, combine butter and sugar; cream together until mixture appears light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula so the mixture blends evenly. Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until thoroughly mixed. Add flour mixture; stir to mix.
   
   
3. Form dough into a 6 inch flattened disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until well chilled, at least 2 hours.
   
   
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Baking sheets may be ungreased, lined with parchment paper, or lined with a non-stick baking mat.
   
   
5. On a lightly floured pastry mat or pastry board, and using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough to a 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut dough into desired shapes using a cookie cutter that has been dipped in flour (to help prevent dough from sticking to the cutter.)
   
   Bake:  
6. Place cutout dough 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies are set and the edges are very lightly browned. Remove cookies from baking sheets with a metal spatula and place on a wire cooling rack to cool.
   
   Frosting:
7. In a medium mixing bowl, combine confectioner’s sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Use an electric hand mixer or wooden spoon and beat together until mixture is smooth, adding enough milk to make a good spreading consistency. Add food coloring if desired.
   
   
8. Frost cooled cookies, sprinkle with sugar sprinkles if desired. Set aside until frosting is set.
   
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