Step 1 - Process butter, sugar, flours and vanilla in the bowl of a food processor, stopping and scraping down sides with a spatula, if needed, until dough just comes together. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently to combine.

Step 2 - Divide dough in half. Shape into discs. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until just firm.

Step 3 -  Preheat oven to 170C/150C fan-forced. Grease 2-3 large baking trays. Line with baking paper.

Step 4 -  Roll out 1 portion of dough between 2 sheets of baking paper until 3mm thick. Using your preferred cookie cutter, cut 8 cookies from dough. Repeat with cookie cutter, re-rolling and cutting dough trimmings. Place cookie shapes, 2cm apart, on 2 prepared trays.
Step 5 - Bake, 1 tray at a time, for 10 minutes or until just firm to touch, but not browned. Leave cookies to stand on tray for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6 - once completely cooled, decorate as you wish. (i chose to decorate with some pre-made icing by Dr Oetker and some Christmas themed sprinkles) 

i really enjoyed baking these Christmas treats and hope you will too, send me some pics of your creations if you end up using this recipe :)

**sorry they are decorated so terribly i had to rush them**