Sweet-on-Sugar Cookies

2/3 Cup unsalted butter, softened

¾  Cup sugar

¼ teaspoon salt

1 large egg, plus 3 egg yolks for painting

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 Cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface

1 teaspoon baking powder

Red, Green and Yellow food coloring

 

In a large mixer bowl, beat butter on medium high speed 30 seconds.  Add sugar and salt; beat, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally, until light and fluffy about 2 minutes.  Add whole egg, milk and extract; beat until combined. Reduce speed to low; beat in flour and baking powder until combined.

Halve dough and wrap each piece well with plastic wrap.  Refrigerate until firm, 2 to 3 hours.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside.  On lightly floured surface, roll out dough, one piece at a time, to 1/8 – inch thickness.  Using 2-3 1/2 inch cookie cutters, cut into shapes and transfer to prepared sheets; keep chilled until ready to paint.

For egg yolk paint, divide yolks among 3 small bowls and stir just enough food coloring into each to achieve desired shades.  Using a small, clean paintbrush, paint cutouts. 

 

Heat oven to 375 degrees and place rack in center.  Bake, one sheet at a time, until firm and light brown around edges, 7 to 8 minutes.  Transfer sheets to wire racks and let cool completely.

 

**** Store in an airtight container at room temperature, in single layers separated by wax paper, up to 3 days******