Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing

Delicious sugar cookies with a creamy and tangy cream cheese icing. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be decorated to match the theme.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• For Icing:
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring optional

Instructions:

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt

In another bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined

Divide the dough in half and form each half into a disc

Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour

Preheat the oven to 350F 175C and line baking sheets with parchment paper

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness

Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

For the icing, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy

Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined

If desired, add food coloring to the icing and mix until the desired color is reached

Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream cheese icing onto the cookies

Let the icing set before serving or storing the cookies