Cookies:

1 1/2 c butter softened

2 c white sugar

4 eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

5 c all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

Powdered sugar for rolling

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Optional: 1 1/2 tsp orange or lemon juice

Cream butter and sugar until smooth.  Gradually beat in eggs.  Add vanilla.

Stir in dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt).  Cover and chill the dough for 1 hour in the freezer, or overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Roll dough onto a surface dusted with powdered sugar. Roll until the dough is about 1/4" thick.  Cut into shapes!

Bake at 400 for 6-8 minutes. 

Ice after cooling completely.

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Royal Icing:

1 pound confectioners sugar

5 tablespoons meringue powder

1/2 c water

---Or---

1 pound confectioners sugar

2 large egg whites

In large metal bowl,  combine sugar and meringue powder.  Mixing on low speed, add scant amount 1/2 c water.  Add more water for a thinner consistency.  Ice away!

Enjoy!