recipelink.com Chat Room Recipe Swap - 2001-02-03
From: Nancy,.SanFran

Best Ever Butter Cookies
Recipe By : Land O Lakes
Serving Size : 36

Cookies:
1 cup butter -- softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder

Frosting:
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter -- softened
3 teaspoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla

Cookies:
Combine butter, sugar and eggs in large mixing bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add flour, orange juice, vanilla and baking powder. Beat until well mixed. Divide dough into thirds; wrap in plastic food wrap. Refrigerate until firm (2 to 3 hours).

Heat oven to 400F. On lightly floured surface roll out dough, one third at a time (keeping remaining dough refrigerated), to 1/8 to 1/4 thickness. Cut with 3-inch cookie cutters. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 6 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely.

In a small mixer bowl, combine all frosting ingredients. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until fluffy (1 to 2 minutes). If desired, color frosting. Frost and decorated cookies.

Yield: 3 dozen