Santa Claus Sugar Cookies Recipe

Prep Time: 45 Minutes + Chilling
Bake Time: 10 Minutes Per Batch
Makes: 4 Dozen

Ingredients:
- 1 Cup of Unsalted Butter
- 1 1/2 Cups of Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Tsp. of Vanilla Extract
- 3 1/2 Cups of All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Tsp. of Baking Soda
- 1 Tsp. of Cream of Tartar
- 1/2 Tsp. of Ground Nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. of Salt
Frosting:
- 3/4 Cup of Unsalted Butter: Softened
- 6 Tbsp. of 2% Milk
- 2 1/4 Tsp. of Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 Tsp. of Salt
- 6 3/4 Cups of Confectioners' Sugar
Optional Decorations:
- Red Colored Sugar
- Miniature Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- Red Hots

Instructions:
1. 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.

2. Divide dough in half. Shape each into a disk; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm enough to roll.

3. Preheat oven to 375F. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with a floured 3 inch Santa-shaped cookie cutter. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets.

4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

5. For frosting, in a large bowl, cream butter until fluffy. Beat in milk, vanilla and salt. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Pipe onto cookies and decorate.

Bon Appetit!