Famous Sugar Cookies

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. 2
   Soften butter in the microwave for a few seconds until almost melted. Beat butter and sugar in a medium bowl until smooth. Beat in egg and then vanilla. Set aside.
3. 3
   In a separate bowl, stir flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. On low speed mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined.
4. 4
   Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 20 minutes or until it is firm enough to work with.
5. 5
   Roll dough on floured surface to about 1/2-3/4 inch thick and cut out shapes as desired. (If you make the dough thicker your cookies will be chewier and if they are thinner they will be crispier). Place on a lightly greased baking tray.
6. 6
   Bake 6-8 minutes watching closely - I check the bottoms to see when mine are done. The top might still be very light but if the bottoms are a light golden brown they are done! Let cool completely before frosting.
7. 7
   For the frosting: Beat powdered sugar and butter until combined. Add milk and vanilla and beat until nice and fluffy. If it is too thin you can refrigerate until it reaches desired consistency. Add food coloring if you'd like and frost as desired. Add sprinkles or other decorations to the top of the frosting if desired.