Christmas Cut Out Cookies

Steps

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar for 4 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed.

2. Add the egg yolks and vanilla and mix for 30 seconds.

3. Add the flour and salt and mix for an additional 30 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed to make sure everything is fully incorporated.

4. Divide the dough in half and shape each half of the dough into a ball and chill for 1 hour in the refrigerator.

5. Remove from the refrigerator and preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Roll one of the balls of dough out with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface so it’s between ¼ and ½ inch thick and use cookie cutters to cut out the cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Repeat with the other half of dough until used up.

7. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are just turning golden brown.

8. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare the icing according to the recipe directions and use a size 3 piping tip with a pastry bag to outline the cookies with icing and let it set slightly filling in the middle.

10. Add sprinkles to the iced cookies before it hardens, if desired.