In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar. Mix with an electric mixer or whisk until light and paler in colour.

Add in the egg yolk and vanilla and whisk again. (If you want to pipe your cookies, also add 1/3 cup milk and freeze the piped cookies for about 30 minutes before baking.)

Next, add in the dry ingredients and with a spatula fold it in and mix until a dough forms, if the dough is too dry, add a splash of milk at a time until a firm but slightly soft dough forms.

Colour the dough as desired if doing so.

Roll out the dough to about 1/4 of an inch thickness and cut out the cookies.

Place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 325 degrees fahrenheit anywhere between 15 - 20 minutes, depending on how big or thick your cookies are.

Let them cool completely and glaze and add sprinkles if desired. Or decorate with piping gel or any other sugar glaze. Happy Holidays and Baking and Enjoy!