Jane, there are many many butter cookie recipes recipes already posted on TKL. I have posted one below.

I recommend you search TKL for "butter cookie" or "candy".... you will find many many recipes from which to pick.

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ULTIMATE BUTTER COOKIES

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg yolk
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Red and green decorator sugarCream butter with sugar, salt and egg yolk until smooth with an electric mixer. Gradually beat in flour. Wrap dough in plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 hour or up to 2 days. During this time, the flavors blend and develop, bringing out the butter flavor of the dough.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out dough on lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using holiday cookie cutters. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Sprinkle with decorator sugar. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Makes 3 1/2 dozen
cookies.