# What You'll 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 - Food coloring (gray, pink, and black, gel or liquid)
11 - Edible candy eyes or chocolate chips (optional)
# Method 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 sugar together until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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 possible to facilitate rolling.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to approximately 1/2 inch thickness.
08 - Use a large elephant-shaped cookie cutter or a paper template and sharp knife to cut out the cookies.
09 - Transfer the cookies to prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly apart.
10 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
11 - Mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth and spreadable. Divide the icing and tint with desired food coloring.
12 - Decorate cooled cookies using gray icing for the body, pink for ears, and black for details. Add edible eyes or chocolate chips as eyes. Allow icing to set before serving.
