Delilah's Frosted Cut-Out Sugar Cookies

Recipe View In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. (2 minutes)

Recipe View In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. (1 minute)

Recipe View Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. (3 minutes)

Recipe View Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour, or preferably longer, to allow the gluten to relax and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. (60 minutes)

Recipe View Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper. (5 minutes)

Recipe View On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters and place them 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. (8 minutes)

Recipe View Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. (10 minutes)

Recipe View For the frosting, in a small bowl, beat together the softened butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and confectioners' sugar until smooth. (3 minutes)

Recipe View Gradually mix in the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add more milk if needed. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Stir in food coloring, if using, to achieve your desired shade. (1 minute)

Recipe View Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate with the frosting. Set the decorated cookies on waxed paper to allow the frosting to harden. (15 minutes)