Sugar Cookies

I wish I knew exactly where this recipe came from, so I could credit it properly, but my step-mother passed it along to me from I don't know where and I have adjusted it slightly. These sugar cookies are so simple and yummy. I like to make a ton of icing and use my large collection of food coloring to make every color I can think of to decorate them with.

SUGAR COOKIES

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup cane sugar

2 eggs

1 T vanilla extract

3 cups unbleached, allpurpose white flour

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Icing

1 cup sifted confectioners sugar

2 T milk.

(I usually use a lot more sugar and milk)

Beat butter and sugar with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla; mix well. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, salt and baking soda. Mix flour mixture into butter/sugar mixture until well blended.

Chill 2 hours (very important).

Preheat oven to 350º

Divide dough into quarters. Roll out one quarter on lightly floured board to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place on a silicone baking mat on a cookie sheet, or on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until cookies are barely browned at the edges. Cool on wire rack.

For the icing, mix together confectioners sugar & milk until smooth. Color with food coloring, as desired, and decorate cookies.

Makes about 6 dozen.