Mom Semp's Sugar Cookies

1 c butter or margarine
1 1/2 c confectioners sugar
1 t vanilla
1 egg
1 t baking soda
1 1/2 t cream of tarter
1/2 t salt
2 1/2 c flour

Cream butter and sugar.  Add vanilla.  Add egg and mix well.  Gradually add dry ingredients.  This is a soft dough.  Chill thoroughly...2-3 hours or best overnight.  Roll to desired thickness...I prefer a little less than 1/4".  (Keep extra dough in the refrigerator until needed.)  Bake 6-8 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet at 400 F until lightly browned.  Remove from cookie sheet to cool completely on cooling rack.  Yield...approximately 2-3 dozen small cookies.

NOTES....Thank you to my mother in law, Gloria Semp of Romeo, Michigan for this family favorite and fabulous sugar cut out recipe.  It is a delicate, melt in the mouth variety.  It's a small batch, so I always double it, or triple it during the holidays.  It keeps in the refrigerator, so its ready to go when needed.  It also freezes well if you would like to get the dough made ahead of time.  Short on time?  You can also roll the chilled dough into balls and flatten with a glass dipped in sugar.

Valentine Sandwich Cookies

Using our 4" crinkled heart cookie cutter and the 2" crinkled or plain cutter from the 7 piece heart cookie cutter set, bake equal numbers of plain bottom cookies and cut out top cookies.  The 2" heart is used to cut the center out of the 4"...and then also frost and decorate the 2" piece for extra treats!  Frost the bottom cookie with frosting, glaze, gel, jam or jelly.  Decorate the top cookie and place on top.  Use your imagination....there are no limits!  You can also write a message with frosting or edible markers.

Cookie Glaze

2 c confectioners sugar
2-4 T milk
1/2 t flavoring....vanilla, butter, lemon, etc.

Mix with enough milk to make a thin glaze.  Can be tinted with food coloring.  It is easiest to put the glaze in a shallow dish or pie pan.  Carefully dip the cookie in, just covering the top.  Wipe off the edges with a spatula if it runs over the side.  Once you get the hang of it, they go fast.  This will dry completely in an hour if it isn't too thick.  This hard surface is perfect for writing messages with edible markers.  This glaze will also give  you a shiny surface.  If you plan to add colored sugar or edible glitter, sanding sugars or other sprinkles, do it immediately after frosting or the sprinkles won't stick to the cookie.  Have fun!

Looking for additional recipes?  Check out All of our Cookie Recipes Here!