# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Decoration
08 - 1 2/3 cups powdered sugar
09 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
10 - Gel or liquid food coloring (gray, pink, black)
11 - Edible candy eyes or chocolate chips (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat the eggs in one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
04 - Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
06 - Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes if time permits to facilitate rolling.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to approximately 1/3 inch thickness.
08 - Use a large elephant-shaped cookie cutter or a paper template and sharp knife to cut cookies.
09 - Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart evenly.
10 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
11 - Mix powdered sugar with milk until smooth and spreadable. Divide and tint with desired food coloring.
12 - Decorate cooled cookies by spreading gray icing on the body, pink on the ears, and black for details. Add edible eyes or chocolate chips for eyes. Allow icing to set before serving.
