Sugar Cookies with Butter Icing
rec.food.recipes/Janice Parker (1996)
Makes approx. 3 dozen cookies

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Cream butter; gradually add sugar, creaming well. Beat in egg & vanilla. In a second bowl, combine flour, baking powder, & baking soda; blend this into creamed butter mixture. If necessary, chill dough until firm enough to roll.

On lightly floured surface, roll out dough; with cookie cutters cut into desired shapes. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets and bake at 350F for 7 - 8 minutes. Cool & decorate with your favorite icing.

Butter Icing
1/3 cup butter, softened
4 1/2 cups icing sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (or brandy, rum, or maple extract, depending on the flavor you are looking for) food coloring (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl & beat until smooth. Add more milk or sugar to achieve desired consistency. This icing goes on anything and freezes very well.

Variations:

For CHOCOLATE ICING, reduce sugar to 4 cups and add 1/2 cup cocoa.

For PEANUT BUTTER ICING, substitute 1/3 cup peanut butter for butter.