Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies: sugar cookies

Welcome to our Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies link up! For the next two weeks, join us every day and add your favorite cookie recipe for that day's theme. Please follow Lisa and I and check out some new blogs! Happy baking!

Today's featured cookie is sugar cookies - one of my favorites!!

This recipe has been used in our family for over 30 years, and is actually the same recipe I used to make the cookies that served as our wedding favors! It's an easy recipe that makes really great cookies. They are sweet, but not overly so, and are the perfect vehicle for a thick layer of buttercream frosting. Is there any other way to have a sugar cookie?? Enjoy!

Traditional Sugar Cookies
from Betty Crocker
Makes about 4 dozen 3" cookies

*Do not use self-rising flour in this recipe

Ingredients

• 3/4 c shortening (part butter or margarine, softened) 
• 1 c sugar 
• 2 eggs 
• 1 tsp vanilla or 1/2 tsp lemon extract 
• 2 1/2 c Gold Medal Flour 
• 1 tsp baking powder 
• 1 tsp salt 

Directions

1. Mix thoroughly shortening, sugar, eggs and flavoring. Blend in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover; chill at least 1 hour. 
2. Heat oven to 400º. 
3. Roll dough 1/8 inch thick on lightly floured cloth-covered board. 
4. Cut into desired shapes. 
5. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 6 to 8 minutes or until very light brown.