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We put PLAY in capital letters because it is so important to human development.

It is the vehicle children use to learn, cope, self correct and explore the world. CMoR is so dedicated to promoting play we incorporate it into everything we do.

Each week we will post on the website a new ‘PLAY of the Week’ activity for you to do with your family. It will be an unplugged activity that can be done at the dining room table, in the tub, at the park or just about any place.

Sugar Cookie Decorating

Nothing gets your kids more excited than decorating cookies together this Holiday Season. Try this sugar cookie and icing recipe for some family fun!

What you'll need for Sugar Cookies:

• 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup butter (softened at room temperature)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten (egg should be at room temperature)
• 3 Tablespoons half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

How to make Sugar Cookie:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) .

2. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.

3. Cut in butter and blend with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly.

4. With a fork, stir in lightly beaten egg, vanilla and half-and-half. Blend well with fork, then your hands to ensure thorough blending. Chill dough for one hour for easier rolling.

****If you are not rolling the dough, chill for 15 minutes then skip to step 6 for baking.

5. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes.

6. Place on baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Sprinkle with sugar or leave plain for decorating with icing.

7. Bake for 6 - 7 minutes, or until lightly brown.

What you'll need for Icing:

• 2 teaspoons milk
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 teaspoons light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Assorted food coloring colors

How to make Icing:

1. In a small bowl, stir together the milk and confectioners sugar until smooth.

2. Beat in corn syrup and the vanilla extract until icing is smooth and glossy. If the icing is too thick, add additinal corn syrup to thin slightly.

3. Divide the icing into separate bowls, and add food colorings to each to the preferred color intensity. Paint the icing onto the cookies or pipe with decorator icing tubes and tips.

4. Top with candy decorator balls, holiday sprinkles or any other festive design.

http://www.momswhothink.com/cookie-recipes/sugar-cookie-recipe.html