Favorite Cut Out Sugar Cookies

One of my favorite memories as a child is helping my mom bake Christmas cookies every year. I especially loved the cut out sugar cookies because I got to help roll out the dough, use the cookie cutters to cut various shapes, and decorate them with glaze and sprinkles. They're still one of my favorite cookies to make. Dr. Sweetpea helped me decorate ours this year and they turned out amazing!

Rolled Cut Out Sugar Cookies

(Source: Taste of Home)

1 cup butter, softened

1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Frosting:

3 cups confectioners' sugar

1/3 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 to 3 tablespoons 2% milk

Food coloring, optional

Assorted sprinkles or candies

In a large bowl, cream butter, cream cheese, sugar and salt until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour. Refrigerate, covered, 1-2 hours or until firm enough to roll. Preheat oven to 375°. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with floured cookie cutters. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake 7-8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on pans 1 minute. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. In a small bowl, beat confectioners' sugar, butter, vanilla and enough milk to reach desired consistency. If desired, add food coloring. Decorate cookies with frosting and sprinkles. Yield: about 7 dozen.