Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• holiday cookie cutters

Preparation

1. In a large bowl or mixer cream together butter and sugar until fluffy and lightened in color. 3-4 minutes.
2. One at a time, beat in eggs, then add in vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
4. Gradually add flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat until just combined.
5. Divide dough in half and shape into 2 discs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
6. Once chilled, preheat oven to 350ºF and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll each disc out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Use holiday cookie cutters to form cookies and transfer to lined baking sheets.
9. Place baking sheets in oven and bake for 7-9 minutes, or until edges are lightly browned.
10. Remove from oven and let cool completely.