Christmas cookies

Every other year we bake lots and lots of cookies and give them as Christmas gifts. Last year was our "Off" year, so we were planning to bake again this year. But then we were scheduled to be on the local tour of homes, so we cancelled cookie-making.

All the cookbooks are in storage until the tour is over, so I thought we'd have no fun cookies this year. However, God provided a new cookbook through Triny, so today Joan and Sarah baked and decorated sugar cookies to share with those who come to our house on Saturday.

The recipe came from the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book Special Edition, which is fast becoming a favorite cookbook of ours.

Sugar Cookie Cutouts
2/3 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. sugar
1 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1 egg
1 T. milk
1 t. vanilla
2 c. all-purpose flour

In large mixing bowl beat butter, sugar, baking powder and salt. Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat in as much flour as you can with mixer. Stir in any remaining flour. Divide dough in half. Cover and chill dough 30 minutes or until easy to handle.

On lightly floured surface, roll half the dough at a time until 1/8 inch thick. Using cookie cutters, cut dough into desired shapes. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in 375 degree oven for 7 or 8 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are lightly browned. Place on wire rack and let cool before frosting and decorating. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.


Here's what the girls ended up with (minus a few that had to be sampled!):

They're going to have to make about five more batches, but aren't the cookies yummy-looking?