Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter1-1/2 cups sugar2 large eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extract3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon cream of tartar1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg1/4 teaspoon saltFROSTING:3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened6 tablespoons 2% milk2-1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon salt6-3/4 cups confectioners’ sugarRed colored sugar, miniature semisweet chocolate chips and Red Hots, optional
Preparation
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, nutmeg and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture.
Divide dough in half. Shape each into a disk; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm enough to roll.
Preheat oven to 375°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 3-in. Santa-shaped cookie cutter. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
Bake 8-10 minutes or until light brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Beat in milk, vanilla and salt. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Pipe onto cookies and decorate as desired.
