This forgiving cookie dough holds its shape well—cookies should not spread or puff up on baking. The dough should not be chilled before rolling out! A double batch fits in a 6-qt mixer.
Combine all dry ingredients (including flour) in mixing bowl. Add softened butter and mix with paddle mixer until it looks like damp sand. Stop mixer, add egg and flavoring, then mix until it comes together. It will pull away from the sides of the bowl and will not be sticky when you touch it (much like playdough).
Do not chill before rolling out to ~¼" thickness on floured surface and cutting into shapes. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes; if any edges start to turn golden they have been in long enough.
Using weights rather than volumes for dry ingredients is highly recommended for consistent results!
Courtesy of: Joy Woller
Other resources: Royal Icing Recipe | Cookie Rx: Customizable/Printable Gift Label
Recipe based on: http://www.reddit.com/r/cookiedecorating/comments/2d9u9d/need_a_recipe_that_holds_its_shape/