Step 1

Cream the sugar and the butter together with a hand mixer until light.

Step 2

Add the flavorings, then the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix in the sour cream.

Step 3

Beat in one egg at a time. Add the flour and mix until it forms a ball.

Step 4

Refrigerate at least an hour or overnight if you plan to roll out the dough.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 350º. Roll out cookie dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Step 6

Cut out cookies with cookie cutters of choice.

Step 7

Place cutouts on parchment-lined cookie sheets.

Step 8

Bake until the edges are golden, about 10 to 12 minutes. Do not overbake if you want them to be soft.

Step 9

To make the frosting, cream the butter and vanilla in a medium bowl.

Step 10

Add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add the cream, one tablespoon at a time to desired consistency.

Step 11

Add food coloring if desired (I used pink gel paste).

Step 12

Frost cooled cookies and garnish as desired.