Sugar Cookies for Valentines Day

Perfect Sugar Cookies
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt until completely combined.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at at time, then mix in vanilla extracts.

Add flour, 2 cups at a time, until the dough combines and the flour is incorporated.

Split dough into 3 or 4 sections and immediately roll out between two pieces of parchment paper. Stack doughs and place in the refrigerator before cutting for a couple hours.(I put them in the freezer for 30 minutes instead)Preheat oven to 350

Remove dough sheets from the refrigerator and cut into shapes. Transfer to baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges turn a light brown. Reroll the scraps between the leftover parchment paper and continue cutting out shapes - if the dough gets too soft - place in the freezer or refrigerator for a couple minutes.

Sugar Cookie Frosting
"Add food coloring to decorate your favorite sugar cookies."
Ingredients:
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup shortening
5 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
food coloring

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, cream together the confectioners' sugar and shortening until smooth. Gradually mix in the milk and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and stiff, about 5 minutes. Color with food coloring if desired.