In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup butter and 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until light, fluffy, and pale in color. Proper creaming incorporates air, resulting in cookies that are soft and tender rather than dense.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat again until smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. Chilling firms up the dough, prevents spreading, and enhances flavor.
Step 5: Roll and Cut
Once chilled, lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out the dough to your preferred thickness:
¼ inch for soft, chewy cookies
⅛ inch for thin, crisp cookies
Cut into shapes using festive cookie cutters. Gather and reroll scraps as needed, keeping the dough cold for easy handling.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Avoid overbaking for soft cookies that stay tender once cooled.
Cool on the baking sheet for 3–5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Once completely cooled, decorate as desired. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding milk for a thinner glaze or powdered sugar for a thicker icing.
Divide frosting into bowls and tint with food coloring for a festive touch. Use piping bags or spoons to spread or drizzle over cookies.
Finish with sprinkles, colored sugars, or edible decorations. Allow frosting to set before storing or serving.
