In the Christmas spirit... Cookies!

So, not going to lie, I'd have to say I make one fabulous sugar cookie. They're sugary but not too sweet, buttery, soft, and super yummy. They also make a perfect complement for homemade icing, sprinkles, and, fun shapes - or all three!

First, I take unsalted butter and beat it in a mixer with some sugar until its fluffy and light yellow. Then I add an egg, some baking powder, salt, and vanilla and beat until it's totally combined. Finally, I gradually add the flour bit by bit until it is stiff and workable (it's also incredibly delicious). After that, I divide the dough in half, roll them between parchment paper, and pop them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.

While I'm waiting, I preheat the oven and grease the cookie sheets. When the 20 minutes is up - and I've got all my cookie cutters ready - I take out the first sheet and start cutting away. When I have used as much as the dough as possible, I put them all on a cookie sheet and cook them for about 7 minutes. While they are cooking, I roll up the remaining dough, flatten it between the parchment paper, and put it back in the fridge. I do the same thing until all the dough is gone, and I have tons of yummy cookies.

When they are cooled, I generally use milk and powered sugar to make a simple icing (or - if I'm feeling creative - do a cream cheese or peanut butter) and make about 50 colors, using every bowl, and cup in my house. Then, I get cracking. I do the base coat by spreading with a knife, but add the details with icing piped through a Ziploc bag (with a hole in one corner).

When they are all done, I eat a lot of them and then give them away to my family and friends. Then I try to figure out a way I don't have to clean the kitchen (but it generally doesn't work).