Housewarming Cookies with Vanilla Icing

Cookie Cutting Sugar Cookies

yields 20 cookies, but may vary because of cookie cutter size

recipe from this blog

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
• 3/4 cup confectioners sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS
In an electric mixer, cream butter and sugars. Add beaten egg and vanilla; mix to combine, scraping the bowl as necessary.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and nutmeg.  Add them to the wet ingredients by thirds (about 1-cup increments) until fully incorporated, scraping the bowl as necessary.

Prepare two large sheets of plastic wrap on the counter and divide the cookie dough between them. Wrap each half of the dough securely in the plastic wrap, shaping into a thick disk.  Chill until firm, at least 2 hours, or overnight.

Allow dough to sit at room temperature for at least 10-15 minutes.  Roll out cookies to 1/4-inch thickness on a well-floured surface and cut with cookie cutters. Place on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper and bake at 375° for 9-10 min. Cookies will not brown, so watch the bottom edges for slight darkening.

Cool cookies completely on a wire rack before frosting or decorating.

Vanilla Icing

makes 2 1/2 cups

INGREDIENTS

3 cups confectioner's sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoons milk

Mix ingredients together with an electric mixer. Add more sugar for a thicker frosting or more milk for something less stiff.

-Alyssa