Christmas Cookies

For the Cookies:

3 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon milk

Powdered sugar, for rolling out dough

For the Icing (Optional):

2 cups powdered sugar

2-4 tablespoons milk or water

Food coloring (optional)

Preparation

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg and milk and beat until combined.

Make the Dough:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and beat until smooth.

Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for 2 hours.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll Out and Cut the Dough:

On a clean surface dusted with powdered sugar, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness.

Use Christmas cookie cutters to cut out shapes and transfer them to the baking sheets.

Bake:

Bake for 7-9 minutes or until cookies are just starting to turn golden around the edges.

Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorate:

For the icing, mix powdered sugar with milk or water to reach the desired consistency. Add food coloring if you wish.

Decorate the cooled cookies with icing and other edible decorations like sprinkles or edible glitter.

Enjoy these festive and delicious Christmas cookies with family and friends, or give them as gifts to spread the holiday cheer!