Step 1

For the cookies: Using stand mixer with paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together on low to medium speed. Mix until thoroughly incorporated. Do not over mix.

Step 2

Add eggs slowly and mix. Scrape down sides of bowl with spatula & mix again.Add liquid vanilla extract. Mix shortly.

Step 3

Sift dry ingredients together in a separate bowl. Add flour mixture to the bowl.Mix on low speed for 30 seconds. When dough clumps around paddle attachment,it’s ready. Do not over mix the dough.

Step 4

Roll dough between 2 large pieces of parchment paper. Place on a baking sheetand in fridge for at least 1 hour.

Step 5

Roll out dough further if needed, then cut out cookie shapes. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Put cookie dough shapes back into fridge for 10 minutes to 1 hour to chill again.

Step 6

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake cookies for 8-12 minutes or until the center of thecookie no longer looks wet. Baking time will depend on the size of your cookie. Let cookies cool to room temperature and decorate!

Step 7

For the icing: Soften butter so that it slightly indents when you push your finger into it.

Step 8

Beat butter until fluffy (about 1-2 minutes).

Step 9

Add milk, vanilla, & powdered sugar. Beat on low until slightly combined. Then beat on high.

Step 10

Beat frosting until whipped (about 2-3 minutes). Stir with a spatula. Frosting should be fluffy and easy to spread.