holiday baking

Is there anything better than holiday baking?

The mixing, the rolling, the cutting, the baking and the decorating!

I have been using this same great sugar cookie recipe for years now and if any of you are prepared for hours of kitchen labor, here's the recipe...

Sugar COOKIES

1 1/2 cups butter, softened

2 cups white sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

5 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

Directions:

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.  Beat in eggs and vanilla with a hand mixer.

Make sure to SIFT the flour, baking powder, and salt and hand mix the entire mixture.

Cover and chill overnight.  

p.s the harder the dough the easier it is to roll out.

Now, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Roll out dough on floured surface.  Use the flour liberally on your hands and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking.  Cut into shapes and place one inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

p.s  I always set the timer for five minutes and usually the cookies are perfectly soft.

Some ovens need to bake one minute longer but I wouldn't exceed 6 minutes or they will burn!!!