Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream the room temperature butter.

Add sugar and beat until creamy. Add half of the flour mixture and vanilla and mix on low.

Scrape bowl and add remaining flour. Mix on low until all flour is combined.

On a floured surface, roll out half of the cookie dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.

Use a fork to create a pattern on top of dough shapes or use stamps to press in fun words, sayings or sentiments.

Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 7-8 minutes, or until light golden brown.

Transfer to a wire sheet to cool. When cooled completely, package up and share with friends! Stack 4-6 cookies and tie with twine to gift.