Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240g) All-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (170g) Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) Granulated sugar
- 1 large (50g) Egg
- 1 tsp (5ml) Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp (3g) Baking powder
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) Salt
- 2 cups (250g) Powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tbsp (45ml) Milk
- 1 tsp (5ml) Vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring
Instructions:
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt, then slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a consistent 1/4 inch (0.6cm) thickness.
- Press graduation-themed cutters firmly into the dough and transfer shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Remove when edges are set but not browned.
- Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Divide into bowls and stir in gel food coloring.
- Pipe the glaze onto completely cooled cookies and let the icing set for 30 minutes before serving.