Make the Cookies

Cup of Yum
1. Cream the softened butter and sugar together in the bowl of a stand mixer, about 2-3 minutes. They will be light yellow and fluffy.
2. Once the butter and sugar are creamed, add the vanilla extract, egg, milk, lemon juice and lemon zest. Blend until smooth and incorporated
3. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together into another large bowl. Whisk to combine.
4. Pour dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing with the stand mixer, and stirring until just combined.
5. Stretch a long piece of plastic wrap out on the countertop. Scoop the cookie dough onto it, and wrap the plastic around it. Press into a round shape. 
6. Chill the dough in refrigerator for 1-2 hours. (You can refrigerate the dough overnight, but you'll need to take it out 30-45 minutes before rolling because the dough is challenging to roll out when it's super cold.)
7. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper. Set aside.
8. Flour a flat surface. I like to use a countertop, but a cutting board would work if it’s large enough, too.
9. Roll the dough into a ½" thick round with a rolling pin. Cut it into shapes using cookie cutters. Transfer the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet.
10. Repeat the process as many times as necessary to cut out all your cookies.
11. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cookies have firmed up. You do not want them to brown.
12. Transfer to a wire cooling rack.

Make the Icing

1. While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, salt, lemon extract, vanilla extract, lemon juice and milk to create the icing.
2. Whisk until smooth, then separate out into individual bowls for coloring.
3. Once colored, set aside until time to ice the cookies.

Ice and Decorate the Cookies

1. Line a portion of the counter (or a table) with wax paper.
2. Once the cookies have completely cooled, use butter knives or offset spatulas to spread the icing on them.
3. Decorate the cookies with sprinkles, too.
4. Let the cookies sit for 1-2 hours to allow the icing time to harden, then enjoy!