Classic Holiday Sugar Cookies

Prep: 1 hour plus chilling, cooling and drying • Bake: 20 minutes • Serves: 32

1. In large bowl, with mixer on medium speed, beat granulated sugar and butter 3 minutes or until fluffy, scraping down bowl occasionally. Add egg and 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; beat 2 minutes or until incorporated, scraping down bowl occasionally. Add flour and salt; beat 1 minute or until just incorporated.

2. Place dough between 2 sheets of parchment paper on work surface; roll to 1/4-inch thick. Transfer dough to rimmed baking pan; freeze 30 minutes.

3. Preheat oven to 350°; line 2 rimmed baking pans with parchment paper. Remove parchment paper from dough and place on work surface; cut out cookies with 2½- to 3-inch Christmas-themed cookie cutters and place 2 inches apart on prepared pan. Gather dough scraps and repeat step 2 to make additional cookies on second prepared pan.

4. Bake cookies 10 minutes or until set and edges are lightly browned; cool completely on wire rack. Makes about 32 cookies.

5. In large bowl, with mixer on medium-high speed, beat egg whites, cream of tartar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 minutes or until frothy; gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, making sure each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next. Increase speed to high; beat 5 minutes or until soft peaks form. Makes about 4 cups.

6. Divide icing into smaller bowls; add color gels to create desired colors. Transfer icing to piping bags with small round tips.

7. Decorate cookies with desired icing colors and sprinkles, if desired; let dry at room temperature 6 hours or up to overnight. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Approximate nutritional values per serving (1 cookie):
181 Calories, 6g Fat (4g Saturated), 21mg Cholesterol, 81mg Sodium,
30g Carbohydrates, 0g Fiber, 21g Sugars, 21g Added Sugars, 2g Protein

Dietitian’s Dish Tip(s):
While cookies may not be the first thing on the healthy snack list, making them from scratch means no unwanted preservatives or additives, plus you’ll make priceless memories with the kids.