In a mixer with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until just combined. Add the egg, vanilla, spices and zest and beat until all combined. In a bowl whisk flour, baking powder and salt together. Add to the mixer bowl and beat until just combined to form a dough. Form the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30mins.

When ready to bake let the dough sit at room temperature till slightly softened. Preheat the oven to 350F. Roll it out onto a floured surface until about 1/2cm thick. Cut out cookies shapes with cookie cutters, remove any excess dough and roll together to make more cookies. If the dough becomes too soft, put back in the fridge for a few minutes. Transfer the cookies onto a parchment lined large baking sheet.

Bake for 8-12mins depending on the size of the cookie until the edges just start turning golden. Cool down on wire racks.

Icing
Whisk together the icing ingredients together until completely smooth. If it is too thick add a few drops of milk, if too thin add a couple of spoonfuls of icing sugar. Pipe on the icing, decorating as desired.