First, in a large mixing bowl slowly beat the 1 1/2 cups of butter, flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, and eggs until well mixed.

Then, remove the dough from the bowl and form into a loose ball. Divide it into 4 sections, cover each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Next, in a mixing bowl, beat 6 tablespoons of butter, confectioners sugar, half and half, vanilla, and a touch of salt. Mix on medium-high until it looks like frosting.

If you do not have disposable decorating bags, then put the frosting in individual zipper sandwich bags and add food coloring if desired.

Then, on a baking sheet lined with wax / parchment paper or a reusable cookie sheet liner like this put the cut cookies about 2 inches apart form each other.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 +/- a few minutes (depending on oven) and rotate pans halfway through baking. The cookies are done when they are slightly golden.

After that, place on wire rack to cool.