Basic Iced Holiday Sugar Cookies

Step 1

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, break up cookie dough; thoroughly work in flour. (DO NOT EAT RAW COOKIE DOUGH AFTER COMBINING WITH FLOUR.) Work with half of dough at a time, refrigerating remaining dough until needed.

Step 2

On floured work surface, roll dough 1/4 inch thick. Cut with floured 2 1/2- to 3-inch holiday-shaped cookie cutters; place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.

Step 3

Bake 8 to 11 minutes or until cookies are set and edges just begin to brown. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely, about 20 minutes.

Step 4

In small bowl, mix powdered sugar, vanilla and almond extract. Add enough milk until smooth and desired spreading consistency. Stir in food color until well blended. Spread on cookies; sprinkle with candy sprinkles. Let stand until icing is set, about 15 minutes. Store between sheets of waxed paper in tightly covered container.