Posted by kdipaolo - June 4, 2001

6 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups butter
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix dry ingredients and add to butter mixture. Mix well. Chill for 1 to 2 hours.

Roll to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

This recipe makes a lot of cookies, about 8 dozen 3-inch cookies. They are not soft and not crispy. They freeze well. Make a batch ahead of time, freeze them and then thaw them out before decorating.

Cookie Creations' Royal Icing
3 tablespoons meringue powder
1/2 cup warm water
1 (16 ounce) package powdered sugar, sifted (4 1/2 cups)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Combine meringue powder, water, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream of tartar in a medium mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined; beat on high speed for 7 to 10 minutes or until mixture is very stiff. When not using icing, keep it covered with clear plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Makes 3 cups.