Christmas Sugar Cookies

Step 1

In the bowl of a mixer, beat the butter and sugar until smooth, about 2 minutes

Step 2

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition

Step 3

Add the vanilla and salt, then slowly mix in the flour until thoroughly combined

Step 4

Remove the dough from the bowl. Place the dough on a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a disc. Wrap the plastic wrap around the dough and chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 1 day before you plan to bake your cookies.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.

Step 6

Divide the dough in half. Re-wrap one half of the dough and place it in the fridge. Roll the remaining dough into a 1/4 inch thick rectangle.

Step 7

Using a 3-4 inch sized Christmas cookie cutters, cut out as many shapes as you can from the dough.

Step 8

Re-roll the dough and repeat the process until you've filled your first baking sheet. Cookies should be spaced 1 1/2 inches apart on the sheet.

Step 9

Place the pan of cookies in the fridge and chill for 20 minutes

Step 10

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cookies are set and the edges are just barely turning brown.

Step 11

Cool the cookies completely

Step 12

Repeat the same process with the other half of the dough that you previously put in the refrigerator.

Step 13

Place the butter in the bowl of a mixer. Beat for 1 minute or until light and fluffy.

Step 14

Add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating after each addition.

Step 15

Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 16

If the frosting seems too thick, you can add 1 teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 17

If the frosting seems too thin, you can add 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 18

Divide the frosting into bowls, and add your desired food colors to each bowl; stir to combine.

Step 19

After the cookies have cooled, spread a layer of frosting over each one and add sprinkles on top.

Step 20

Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.