Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tbsp milk (whole is best but 2% works)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tsp natural food coloring (more or less if needed)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain for a velvety dough texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined to uniformly distribute flavor and moisture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Gently mix just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix to maintain tender cookies.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. Chilling is crucial to firm the dough and help achieve clean, crisp cut-outs.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and even baking.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of between 1/4 to 1/2 inch, allowing for nicely sized cookies that hold shape during baking.
- Cut Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut dough into desired shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 7 to 9 minutes until the edges are just set and the tops have a matte appearance, indicating the perfect bake without overbrown.
- Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating to avoid melting the icing.
- Prepare Icing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable, achieving a thickness similar to glue for easy coating.
- Add Color and Swirl: Add a few drops of natural food coloring to the icing and gently swirl with a skewer or toothpick to create a beautiful marbled effect, adding visual interest to the cookies.
- Dip Cookies: Dip each fully cooled cookie into the icing, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl to avoid pooling on the rack.
- Set Icing: Place the iced cookies on a wire rack and allow the icing to set completely before stacking or storing to preserve the decorative finish and prevent smudging.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading during baking and ensures clean shapes.
- Use whole milk for icing for best flavor and texture; 2% milk works as a substitute but may be slightly thinner.
- If you prefer thicker icing, reduce milk slightly and adjust powdered sugar accordingly.
- Natural food coloring provides vibrant, non-toxic colors; adjust amount for desired intensity.
- Store cookies in an airtight container once icing is fully set to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
