Sugar Cookies

Everyone needs a good sugar cookie recipe, and at Christmas time, the best ones are the versatile, freeze and bake for later ones. This one comes from Canadian Living's Holiday Best 1999 Magazine.

3/4 cup butter, softened (don't substitute margerine, butter is best here)
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking powder

In a bowl with an electric mixer, cream together the butter and the sugar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the egg and vanilla, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and the baking powder. Gently add to the butter mixture in two additions.

Divide the dough in half, and shape into discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill for at least an hour. You may even keep the dough in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for up to three weeks.

To bake, remove from fridge and allow to warm slightly (about 10 minutes). On a lightly floured counter, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters. Place about 1 inch apart on cookie sheets. Bake at 350 F for about 10-12 minutes, or until light golden on the bottom and edges.

Makes about 50.

Tips: You can decorate these with icing, or just before baking press some colored sugar, sprinkles, mini M&M pieces, chocolate chips, or glace cherries into them. It's all up to you!