Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 3½ cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cream the butter and vanilla together, then add the sugar gradually until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time with an egg beater.
  2. Separately sift the dry ingredients and gradually fold them all into the wet ingredients with a spatula. Refrigerate for three or four hours, until cold.
  3. Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Cut the cookie shapes out using your desired cookie cutters and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet.
  4. Cook at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes. Cool on a rack before icing.

Icing Ingredients

  • 1 stick unsalted butter (soft)
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Add drops of food coloring to desired shade (optional)
  1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together the butter, 2 cups of the confectioners’ sugar, the milk, and the food coloring (if desired).
  2. Add the remaining 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar and beat until smooth. Use to decorate cooled cookies.