Beat butter, and both sugars until smooth and all combined. Add eggs, and vanilla, and beat until combined, scraping sides as needed.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt and mix. Add into the butter mix and beat until combined.

Divide dough into 2 pieces and wrap with plastic wrap, refrigerate for 4-5 hours or overnight.

Take a section of dough out of the fridge and let warm a little. Roll out to desired thickness and use cookie cutters to cut out.

Transfer cookies to parchment-lined cookie sheets and bake at 375 degrees for 9 minutes. Let cool for 2 minutes then transfer to cooking racks.

To make royal icing: 4 cups of powdered sugar, 3 tbsp meringue powder, 9-10 tbsp water and colour gel if using.