Preparation

1. In stand mixer with paddle attachment cream butter and sugar together until fluffy.
2. Add cream cheese and vanilla and beat until creamy.
3. Add flour one cup at a time until combined.
4. Remove dough onto floured surface and knead into disc shape.
5. Cover with wax paper and chill for at least 2 hours.
6. Preheat oven to 375.
7. Place chilled dough onto floured surface and cut in half.
8. Use rolling pin to roll out dough to ¼ inch thick.
9. Cut out shape of your choice and place on parchment lined cookie sheet.
10. Bake for 7-10 minutes, until top of cookie no longer appears wet. Cool for 1-2 minutes before moving to cooling rack.
11. Icing Preparation. Place powdered sugar and meringue powder into mixer bowl and combine for a minute. Add flavoring and ¼ cup of water. Mix over medium speed. Icing should have stiff peaks. Add more water if needed and mix on high for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form. Add food coloring if need and frost cookies.