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Special Equipment: assorted animal-shaped cookie cutters, about 4 to 5-inches long
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Decorating suggestion: multi-colored sprinkles, colored decorating sugar, mini chocolate chips, small candies, mini marshmallows
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For the cookies: Put an oven rack in the center of the oven.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a medium bowl, combine the cookie dough and flour until smooth.
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On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thick.
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Using animal-shaped cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the dough and arrange, about 2-inches apart, on the prepared baking sheets.
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Form the scraps of dough into a ball, roll out to 1/4-inch thick, and continue to cut out animal shapes.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden brown.
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Cool for 2 minutes.
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Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 15 minutes.
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For the frosting: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth, about 20 seconds.
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Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and 1/4 cup water.
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Beat on low speed until combined.
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Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture is smooth, adding more water, as needed, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the frosting is spreadable.
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Divide the frosting between 3 small bowls.
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Color the frosting by mixing in 1 drop of food coloring at a time, until the desired color is reached.
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Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies and decorate.
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Cook's Note: If using natural food coloring (such as Seelect brand), be sure to shake the bottle before adding the coloring to the frosting.
