1. Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. Cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Incorporate the all-purpose flour and mix until the dough forms clumpy bits.

4. Transfer the mixture to a lightly floured surface and gently knead by hand into a smooth dough ball, which should take about 30 seconds.

5. Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness using a rolling pin. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters and place them onto the prepared cookie sheet.

6. Chill the cut-out cookies for 1 hour to help them maintain their shape during baking. You can skip this step if slight spreading is acceptable.

7. About 1 hour into the chill time, preheat your oven to 325F / 160C.

8. Bake the cookies for 13-16 minutes, watching for the edges to just begin turning golden brown. Remove them from the oven while the centers still appear pale.

9. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once cooled, decorate with your favorite icing.