1. Prepare the Dough:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Cream the softened butter and white sugar together in a large bowl using a mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). This step is key to achieving the right texture.
• Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and baking powder) to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

2. Shape and Bake:

• Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures a crisp yet tender cookie.
• Use animal-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the dough into fun shapes (elephants, giraffes, lions, etc.).
• Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 1 inch apart.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just start to turn golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Prepare the Frosting:

• While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Tip: Add the milk gradually to avoid making the frosting too runny.
• Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to each (e.g., pink and white) to create a colorful assortment for decorating.

4. Decorate the Cookies:

• Once the cookies are fully cooled, use a spatula or knife to frost them with your colored frosting.
• Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles while the frosting is still wet to ensure they stick. Let your creativity shine by mixing colors or creating patterns.