Butter Cookies

This recipe is not from my family or anything my mother made.  It's just a good recipe for cookies that you can decorate.  I love to decorate cookies for special occasions.  I had some of these at a gathering and found out that the recipe came from the old Betty Crocker cookbook.

Butter Cookies

1 c. butter, softened
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. sugar
(original recipe also calls for 1 c. finely chopped walnuts, but I don't use them)

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine all ingredients; blend well.  Roll on floured board to 1/4 inch.  Cut with cookie cutters.  Place on ungreased baking sheet (or one covered with parchment paper).  Bake 10-12 minutes or until set but not brown.  Cool on rack.  Frost cookies.  Decorate with sprinkles and/or sanding sugar. 

Butter Icing

1/2 c. butter, softened
3 c. sifted confectioners sugar
3 T. heavy cream (approximate)
1&1/2 t. vanilla

Blend butter and sugar together.  Stir in cream and vanilla until smooth.

To make chocolate butter icing, add 3 melted squares of unsweetened chocolate (3 oz.).