Very Merry Christmas {with Frosted Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs}

 

I enjoyed combining my love of chalkboards, a groupon for a great deal on the cards (it was their template) and a quick photo shoot with my favorite little people to make a fun card to send out this year. This was the best verticle photo (that I never showed you) from those chilly 15 minutes that day, and I love how the whole card turned out. Maybe now you see why I wasn't willing to buy new cards? They had me at chalkboard...verticle the photo had to be. *sigh*

This morning I delivered 3 dozen homemade, frosted sugar cookies just like these, to our school. I love that we can still bring in homemade treats. That everything doesn't have to be store-bought these days (for the adults anyway). This is part of our PTA's "12 Days of Christmas Cookies" for our teachers and staff. We get to fill up their break rooms with homemade treats to brighten their day. Which is much needed this week, in light of recent events. I wrote a sweet note of appreciation for all that they do for our kids. Wish I could hug each and every teacher and staff member at our school today. So, these cookies are my "hug" to them.
 

I've definately found something that I love to do. I can't wait to roll out the rest of the dough I've made, with my kiddos and let them go to town decorating too.

On some of the cookies there is actually more icing than there is cookie.

That's ok, right?

I should have brought gallons of milk too!

In case you were interested in the recipes I use...
Cookie: {This} is the only one that keeps it's shape for me. I cool the dough for 2-3 hours and then let the tray of cut-outs sit in the freezer 5 minutes before baking.
Royal Icing: {This} is my favorite tasty recipe. I only add almond extract, but lots of it. I've also found that the more heavely colored your frosting is, the longer it takes to full dry (can be 2 days!). Look at {this post} or {this one} for the flooding technique.