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:

  1. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  3. 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.
  4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a consistent 1/4 inch (0.6cm) thickness.
  5. Press graduation-themed cutters firmly into the dough and transfer shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Remove when edges are set but not browned.
  7. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Divide into bowls and stir in gel food coloring.
  9. Pipe the glaze onto completely cooled cookies and let the icing set for 30 minutes before serving.