An All-Time Favorite

Okay,let's face it....who doesn't love a good old-fashioned sugar cookie?I am not talking about the ones you buy in the supermarket and slice & bake.This is the real deal. I underbake mine ever so slightly so that they are crispy outside,but chewy goodness inside.One important tip..if you aren't using them right away after baking them,keep them in a ziploc bag or an air tight container,so they don't harden.This is a favorite of my children.We also decorate them with M&MS colored for whatever we are celebrating(Christmas,Valentine's Day.etc.)Just put a few candies on top and bake!The freeze beautifully either before or after baking,just wrap tight and freeze immediately after baking,once cooled.

Sugar Cookies:
1 c. unsalted,softened butter
1-1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
2- 3/4 c. flour
    In a mixer,beat the butter & sugar until well blended.Add the egg & vanilla.In another bowl,mix all of the dry ingredients.Turn off the mixer,and pour in the dry ingredients.Mix until the dough comes together and is soft when you pinch it between your fingers.It should not feel sandy or gritty.If it does,mix it a bit longer.

  Roll the dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper(parchment is a baker's best friend!)Bake 7-9 minutes at 350 degrees until slightly brown around the edges.This makes approximately 3-4 dozen,depending on how big you make them.The size is really up to you.I generally use about 1 tbsp. per cookie,but again,measuring is definitely not necessary,just roll some dough and have fun!!!