In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together butter and sugar. Add in eggs and vanilla and beat until creamy. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet, blending with a hand mixer. Once all the flour is mixed into the dough, use a spatula to scrape down sides and make sure dough is completely combined.

Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350F and grease a baking sheet or use parchment paper.

Flour a large surface and rolling pin liberally. Roll dough out to 1/4-1/2 inch thickness. Cut into cookie shapes using cookie cut-outs. Re-roll scraps of dough and cut until there is no more excess dough left.

Bake for 6-8 minutes or until just slightly golden.

Let cool completely before icing.

Mix all icing ingredients together, add different amounts of color to the mix to get desired shade.