Sugar Cookies

½ c. unsalted butter

1 c. sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

2 c. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg; mix well. Add vanilla; mix well.

Gradually add dry ingredients to creamed mixture.

Chill dough 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Roll out dough in small portions to ⅛ – inch thickness.

Cut with cookie cutters. Transfer to baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.

Remove from pan.

Let cool; frost with Butter Cream Icing (below).

Buttercream Icing

Ingredients:

1 lb. powdered sugar (sifted)

⅓ c. white shortening

¼ c. water

1 tsp. vanilla

Food coloring

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat well until blended. Add food coloring or leave white.

If icing is too stiff, add more water, one teaspoon at a time.

If icing is too soft, add more powdered sugar, ¼ c. at a time.

Color icing with food coloring and decorate cookies.