Step 1

Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2

To the bowl of a stand mixer, add butter and sugar and beat on MED speed until smooth and well combined. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, until combined. Add vanilla and mix.

Step 3

To a mixing bowl, add dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch and salt), and whisk to combine. Add the flour mixture, starting with 3 cups, and mix on MED LOW speed.

Step 4

Let mix for 3-5 minutes, and you'll see the dough go from a crumbly mess to pulling itself into a ball that pulls away from the sides of the mixer bowl.

Step 5

Turn out the dough onto work surface and roll dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Flouring the work surface and rolling pin is helpful, as is rolling dough out between 2 pieces of wax or parchment paper.

Step 6

Cut into shapes and place cut out dough pieces on prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Step 7

While dough is chilling, preheat oven to 375 F degrees.

Step 8

Bake cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until edges appear set. Cookies won't be golden on the top.

Step 9

Remove from oven and let cookies sit on baking sheet for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack and cool completely.

Step 10

Decorate if desired.