Sugar Cookies

Why do children love sugar cookies? Maybe it's because of their flavor, and maybe it's because they can be cut into such fancy shapes. If your young-sters like to help make sugar cookies as well as eat them, try our Easy-to-Cut Cookies-they allow the children to create their own shapes and choose decorative toppings. Easy-to-Cut Cookies Let children choose one or more fairly simple cookie shapes-block letters, numbers, or shapes such as triangles, squares, and circles. Then trace or draw shapes on sturdy cardboard (about 1/16 inch thick), making each one about 3 by 5 inches. Cut out patterns with scissors, making sure edges are smooth. Prepare dough as directed for Sugar Cookies; divide into 12 equal portions. On a floured board or directly on a lightly floured baking sheet, roll out each portion to a thickness of ½ inch. Let chil-dren cut around patterns with a dull knife; then lift off excess dough and set aside to reroll for additional cookies. Offer toppings such as raisins, chocolate chips, whole or chopped nuts, sun-flower seeds, and flaked coconut! cookies, Bake as directed for Sugar Makes

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% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In large bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and the 1 cup sugar until creamy; beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, blending thoroughly, to form a soft dough. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm (at least 1 hour) or for up to 3 days.

Step 2

On a floured board, roll out dough, a portion at a time, to a thickness of ½ inch (keep remaining portions refrigerated). Cut out with cookie cutters (about 2½ inches in diameter) and place slightly apart on ungreased baking sheets. Sprinkle gener-ously with sugar.

Step 3

Optional Children Help As Fallows

Step 4

Let children choose one or more fairly simple cookie shapes-block letters, numbers, or shapes such as triangles, squares, and circles. Then trace or draw shapes on sturdy cardboard (about 1/16 inch thick), making each one about 3 by 5 inches. Cut out patterns with scissors, making sure edges are smooth.

Step 5

Prepare dough as directed for Sugar Cookies; divide into 12 equal portions. On a floured board or directly on a lightly floured baking sheet, roll out each portion to a thickness of ½ inch. Let chil-dren cut around patterns with a dull knife; then lift off excess dough and set aside to reroll for additional cookies. Offer toppings such as raisins, chocolate chips, whole or chopped nuts, sun-flower seeds, and flaked coconut! cookies, Bake as directed for Sugar Makes

Step 6

Bake in a 400° oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Transfer to racks and let cool completely before handling. Store airtight. Makes about 4 dozen.