Paula Deen's Chocolate Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 1/4 cups flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Beat butter until soft and creamy. Gradually add sugar, beat well. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well.

2. 2

   Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, mix well. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease cookie sheets.

3. 3

   Divide dough in half, roll 1 portion on a well floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters and place on sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugar, if desired. Repeat with 2nd portion.

4. 4

   Bake for 10 minutes, cool 2 minutes on sheets, then move to wire racks. When completely cooled, decorate with icing.

5. 5

   For the icing, whisk together all the ingredients, add food coloring as desired. Makes 3/4 cup.