These are the perfect cookies to use when doing a nice fancy "Martha Stewart" iced cookie. I thought that leaving the royal icing off might make these a little less addictive... I was mistaken!
Sugar Cookie Cut-outs
3/4 c butter, softened
1 c sugar
2 eggs
1 t vanilla
2 & 3/4 c all-purpose flour
1 t baking powder
1 t salt
In large bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and the 1 c sugar until creamy; beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, blending thoroughly, to form a soft dough. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm (at least 1 hour) or for up to 3 days.
On a floured board, roll out dough, a portion at a time, to a thickness of 1/4 inch (just less than a cm), keep remaining portions refrigerated. Cut out with cookie cutters and place slightly apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake in a 400 degree oven for 8 minutes* or until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
*I like mine soft, so I try and get them out just before they develop any color, I bake them for about 6 minutes.
