Christmas Sugar Cookies

I love the real vanilla flavor and how easy this dough is to work with, when wanting to create cutouts. My husband is not a fan of chocolate (I know, crazy right?) and these provide a special flavor all on their own. I especially like to create stars and snowflakes, while decorating with a white glaze, and sprinkling with course sugar. If you have little helpers, let their imagination run wild, choose colors, decorations and enjoy special memories in the kitchen.

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• 2 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 egg yolks

• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon course salt

• 5 cups flour

 

Directions:

 

Mix butter and sugars for at least three minutes, until fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla, mixing well. Add salt to flour mixture and gradually add to butter/sugar mixture, until well combined. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, before rolling out to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut using cookie cutters, and bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Make sure the cookies are cut consistently, to ensure they bake evenly. If using a darker pan, watch cooking time. Cookies will continue to bake on a hot pan. Do not overbake. Transfer to wire racks and allow to cool at least 5 minutes before decorating.

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Glaze:

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(You can use your favorite icing or glaze recipe).

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4 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

4 tablespoons light corn syrup

2 tablespoon milk

2 teaspoon clear vanilla

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Mix ingredients, until a slightly thick consistency (enough to be able to spread on cookies). If too thick, add additional milk.