Sugar Cookies

I know, I know... most people are trying to slim their waist line this time of year. 

But who doesn't love a good sugar cookie?

(Especially when little fingers are involved in the making...)

A true boy- loving the mess!

The great wait... 

A 2-year-old can be creative.....

.....and hungry! :)

My other little artist taking her time to get those snowflake cookies just right...

The more icing, the better????

Sugar Cookie Cut-Outs

What you'll Need:

2/3 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 Tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups flour

Here's How:

1. Preheat oven to 375*. In a large bowl, beat butter on medium for 30 seconds. Add sugar, powder and salt. Beat until combined, scrapping bowl occasionally.

2. Beat in egg, milk and vanilla. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in remaining four.

3. Divide dough in half. If necessary, cover and chill dough about 30 minutes or until easy to handle.

4. On a lightly floured surface, roll half the dough at a time until 1/4 inch thick. Using a 2 1/2 inch cookie cutter, cut dough into desired shapes. 

5. Place cookies 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 7-8 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are barely light brown. 

6. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Ice and decorate as desired.

(Recipe from the Better Homes and Garden New Cookbook- 14th Edition)