Slightly Healthier Sugar Cookies

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey)

1 egg yolk, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup white whole wheat flour )

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

With a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream butter and honey. Beat on medium-high speed for a couple
of minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat until combined.

• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until combined. Do NOT
  overmix.

• Shape the dough into a flat disc and cover with a plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until
  the dough is firm. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and cut into shapes so do NOT skip
  this step.

• When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Take the dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room
  temperature for a few minutes to make it easier to work with.

• Place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface. Lightly sprinkle with a small amount of flour.
  Place the dough in the center and place a second sheet of parchment paper on top. Gently roll from
  the center outwards, using light, even pressure and turning the dough occasionally to maintain an
  even thickness, about 1/3 inch is ideal.

• Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.. transfer the entire parchment paper with the cut-
  out shapes to the cookie sheet.

• Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden brown.

• Remove from the oven (they might seem under-baked but they're not!) and cool for several minutes
  before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Enjoy as is or have fun decorating!

Icing:

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3 tablespoons milk of choice