Simply Sensational Sugar Cookies

These cookies are just as yummy plain or frosted, and are great for lactose-free friends. You can use heart-shaped cookie cutters for Valentine's Day, shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day, and stars or trees for Christmas. If you don't have cookie cutters on hand, just use a juice glass with the rim dipped in flour. You can prepare the dough and then let your kids cut out the shapes of their choice. They can sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar (add a couple of drops of food coloring to granulated sugar and stir).


Beat 1 cup butter or canola margarine, softened, at medium speed of a mixer until creamy. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups sugar, beating well. Add 2 large eggs and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat until well blended.

Combine 4 cups all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended.

Shape dough into 2-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass dipped in colored sugar.

Dough can also be rolled out onto a floured surface and cut with cookie cutters.

Bake at 325º for 12 to 14 minutes (do not overbake). Cookies will turn light brown around the bottom and/or edges. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool.

Yield: 2 1/2 dozen.

Enjoy!