Cutout Sugar Cookies

For the cookies

1. For the sugar cookie dough: you can make the cookie dough using the food processor or stand mixer method, whichever you prefer. Follow the same directions for dividing the dough in half, I like to make these cookies thicker for softer cookies, ~½ inch is perfect. Chill dough in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. 
2. When ready to cut into shapes and bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a few baking sheets with parchment.
3. Use your favorite Christmas cookie cutters to cut out the cookies, and place them about 1-2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
4. Repeat with the remaining dough. Re-rolling the scraps and chilling in between as needed if it gets too warm (I usually re-roll it and pop in the freezer between batches for it to get cold quickly) This recipe should yield about 24-26 cookies.
5. Bake for 8-11 minutes or until edges are just lightly brown, edges look set, and the middles have puffed up a bit. 
6. Cool on the baking sheet for just 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the icing

1. Add the powdered sugar to a medium sized bowl and set aside. In another small dish, combine the warm water, corn syrup, and vanilla and mix. 
2. Add this to the powdered sugar and mix to combine, it will be thick. 
3. Add the pinch of salt, mix again and taste. 
4. Check the consistency, if too thick you can add a small tiny drop of water and whisk it in. Or if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until perfect thick consistency.
5. Use food gel colors to color the icing if needed. Divide the icing into bowls, and add just a few drops at a time. The colors will darken as the icing dries so be careful not to add too much.
6. Decorate using the round piping tip (#4 Wilton) or piping bottles, outline the cookies first, then fill them in. You can decorate with sprinkles or dip in sprinkles then set up at room temperature until icing dries, about 1-2 hours. Get creative and have fun with it! Once icing harden they're easy to package or deliver to friends/family!