Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do it by hand with a wooden spoon.
3. Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
4. Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing well after each addition. The dough will be soft and crumbly but should come together when pressed.
5. At this point, you can add food coloring if desired. Mix it into the dough until evenly distributed.
6. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls or shape them into your desired cookie shape. You can use a cookie press or piping bag to create different designs.
7. Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them as they will spread slightly.