Sugar Cookies to Cut Out and Decorate for Christmas.

Our Grandson's decorating skills on display!!

This is a favorite recipe of mine as it is easy dough to work with and I love things that smell wonderful.  The hint of nutmeg in the cookie dough paired with the scent and flavor of vanilla in the frosting make a really nice cookie.

You are seeing concentration at work!!

My little 3 year old grandson's especially liked the job of helping cut out and apply the sprinkles, as did my sons when they were little, so it is a well tested, tried,  and true family project.  This frosting recipe firms up when left out to dry and that makes it nice as they stay pretty if the overlap a bit on a decorative platter.....not that they will be around long!!!!

Depending on the size of the cookie cutters you use you will yield 2 or 3 dozen cookies.

Sugar Cookies:

2 C. all purpose flour
1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1/2 C. butter at room temperature
3/4 C. sugar
1/4 t. nutmeg
1 egg
1 T. milk

Measure the dry ingredients and set them aside.  I just use a piece of waxed paper.   Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy and add the egg, and milk blending well.

Gradually add the flour and mix until it forms a stiff dough.   Knead a time or two and form a smooth ball.  Wrap in plastic wrap and chill the dough at least for 15 minutes.

Roll on a floured board to between 1/8" and 1/4"  thick and cut with floured cookie cutters.  Bake on an un-greased baking sheet at 375 degrees F. for 10 to 12 minutes.  The cookies should be puffed up but not brown.  You may see just barely trace of brown at the very edge.  Do not over bake.  Let cool a few minutes before removing from the pans.  Cool completely before applying the cookie frosting.

Frosting:

1 C. powdered sugar
1 T. soft butter
1/2 T. vanilla
1 T. heavy cream

Mix all ingredients together well. Add additional heavy cream a drop at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.  You may add a drop or two of food color if desired.

Decorate the wet cookies with sprinkles and set them out to dry completely before storing.  Have fun with these, I certainly have!!