Average Jane’s Sugar Cookies

I almost forgot that the Internets had my family sugar cookie recipe until I saw a link from it in my stats the other day. I entered it in a sugar cookie contest on Velcrometer in 2004 and actually won (although, now that I think about it, I never received my prize).

But anyway, it's a good, basic sugar cookie recipe and worth sharing at this time of year. In fact, I'll probably make some this weekend. If I do, I'll post a photo of my crazy drawer full of cookie cutters. My collection, augmented by a couple of eBay auction wins many years ago, is a bit beyond what most sane people would have.

Average Jane's Sugar Cookies

2 3/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup creamed butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Cream butter and sugar together, then add eggs and vanilla, followed by the dry ingredients. Blend well and roll out on floured board. Cut with cookie cutters. Sprinkle with colored sugar, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes.

These can be iced (if you skipped the colored sugar), but I like them pretty well just plain. The ones in the photo have been rolled out very thin (I highly recommend the Norpro Pastry Frame), but these are good a little thicker as well.