Vanilla Butter Sugar Cookies

My favorite sugar cookie recipe! I originally got it from a Country Magazine cookbook in the late 80's or early 90's.

• Ready In: 57 mins
• Serves: 48
• Yields: 4 dozen

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups butter, softened
• 2  eggs
• 2  tablespoons vanilla
• 4  cups all-purpose flour
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon cream of tartar

• Frosting

• 1 1⁄2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3  tablespoons butter, softened
• 1  tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1  tablespoon milk
•  food coloring (optional)
•  colored crystal sugar

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine sugar and butter; beat until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Stir together dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture until completely blended. Chill for 30 minutes.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with holiday cutters dipped in flour. Using a floured spatula, transfer cookies to ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
3. For frosting, combine sugar, butter, vanilla and milk; beat until creamy. Thin with additional milk to desired spreading consistency if necessary. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired. Spread frosting over cookies and decorate with colored sugar. Yield: 7 dozen (2-1/2-in. cookies).