Easy Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400F

Step 2: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer, then beat in the egg and vanilla.

Step 3: In another bowl, mix together the flour and baking powder.

Step 4: Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. (The dough will be very stiff; blend the last cup of flour in by hand if necessary.)

Step 5: Do NOT chill the dough. (I love this)

Step 6: Divide dough into 2 balls.

Step 7: On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a circle approximately 12 inches in diameter and 1/8 inch thick.

Step 8: Cut cookies into desired shapes, dipping cookie cutter in flour before each use.

Step 9: Decorate with gel and crystal sprinkle decorations, if desired.

Step 10: Bake on an ungreased baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven for 6 to 10 minutes, or until cookies are lightly browned.

Step 11: Cool for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a baking grid/cooling rack.

Step 12: You can sprinkle cocoa powder on the cookies if desired (looks good if you're making reindeer-shaped cookies).

Step 13: Cookies may be frozen and stored in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.