Today my daughter and I are making sugar cookie dough so we can decorate Valentine’s Sugar Cookies tomorrow afternoon.  This recipe is one handed down to me, and is a blend of a Southern Living recipe from the 60’s that has been tested and adjusted over time.  The result is a crisp and delicious cookie, so easy and much better than what you’ll buy in the store.  I hope you’ll enjoy trying this recipe, and remember, all things made with love are better!

Sugar Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened                        1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup sugar                                               1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg                                                           2 teaspoons baking powder 

2 tablespoons milk                                  granulated sugar or sanding sugars

2 cups all purpose flour

Combine butter, sugar, egg, milk and vanilla in mixer.  Beat until light and fluffy.

Combine flour, salt & baking powder in small seperate bowl.  Add dry ingredients into butter ingredients and combine well.  Place dough in a ball shape and wrap tightly in Saran wrap.  Chill dough thoroughly, at least one hour, or even over night.  To bake: Roll cookie dough to desired thinness on a floured work surface.  (I like mine about 1/8 inch or just under).  Cut into shapes with cookie cutter, and place on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper or a lightly greased pan.  Bake at 375 for about 8 minutes, until edges are just starting to turn golden brown.  Cool completely and store in airtight container.

***Note:  You may roll cookie dough into a log to chill, then you will have your own homemade ‘slice and bake’ if you are short on time!  This is great to have in the fridge and will keep several days.