Brown Sugar Cut-Out Cookies and Icing

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup milk
• Icing:
• 1 cup butter, very soft
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Splash of milk

Directions

In a large bowl, stir together 1 cup butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda; stir into creamed mixture. Mix in milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Cover, and chill for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake in a preheated oven for 6 minutes. Cool on wire racks.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together 1 cup butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually stir in sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in a splash of milk, and continue mixing until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered until ready to decorate. Spread icing on top of cookies.