Frosted Christmas Cut Out Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies

1. In a large bowl using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until creamed and smooth, about 1 minute. 
2. Add the Sweet Complete All-Purpose Granulated Sweetener and beat on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 or 4 minutes. 
3. Scrape down the bowl, then add the egg and beat until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds. Add the cream cheese and beat for 1 minute, scrape down the bowl once more, then beat in the vanilla extract until incorporated, about 30 seconds.
4. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Turn the mixer down to low and add about half of the flour mixture, beating until just barely combined. Add the rest of the flour and continue mixing until just combined. 
5. Separate the dough in half, form into two large disks and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling is mandatory.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
7. Place the refrigerated dough on a floured surface, flour a rolling pin and roll out to about ¼ inch thick. Cut the dough with cookie cutters. 
8. Place cookies on a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the underside have a light golden-brown color. 
9. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing. No need to cover the cookies as the cookies cool.
10. Feel free to enjoy cookies without icing. 
11. Decorate the cooled cookies however you’d like. 
12. Once the icing has dried, these cookies are great for gifting or for sending.
13. Cover and store decorated cookies for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 10 days in the refrigerator.

Royal Icing:

1. In large bowl of stand mixer combine the egg whites and vanilla and beat until frothy. Add Sweet Complete Confectioners Sweetener gradually and mix on low speed until incorporated and mixture is shiny. Turn speed up to high and beat until mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks. This should take approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Add food coloring, if desired. For immediate use, transfer icing to pastry bag or heavy-duty storage bag and pipe as desired. If using storage bag, clip corner. 
3. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.