Sugar Cookies

(Pictured on top, frosted)

Sugar Cookie Cutouts

2/3

cup of butter, softened

3/4

cup of sugar

1

teaspoon of baking powder

1/4

teaspoon of salt

1

egg

1

tablespoon of milk

1

teaspoon of vanilla

2

cups of all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour. Divide dough in half. If necessary, cover and chill about 30 minutes or until dough is easy to handle.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the dough at a time until 1/4 inch thick. Using a 4-1/2- to 6-inch cookie cutter, cut dough into desired shapes. Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet. At this point, add colored sugar or sprinkles if you like (otherwise, leave them plain and frost/decorate after they've been baked.)
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are very lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack; cool.