Cut-out Cookies

So I know it's maybe a little early to start thinking about Valentine's Day (although most stores have had stuff out for weeks, so you've probably already been forced to think about it), but if you are looking for a simple, homemade treat for your Valentine this year, why not try some traditional sugar cookies? I know a lot of people can be intimidated by cut-out sugar cookies--they have to be an even thickness or some will burn in the oven, the dough can be sticky and hard to roll out--but with a little patience they really are quite easy. And delicious.

Now, I may be a little biased because this is the recipe I grew up making with my grandmother, but I happen to think that this is one of the most fool-proof (and tasty) recipes for cut-out sugar cookies. Try them for yourself if you don't believe me!

I know, those aren't very Valentine-y. But that's the beauty of cut-out sugar cookies--they can be used for any holiday just by changing up the cookie cutter!

Grandma's Cut-Out Sugar Cookies
(Yields approximately 3 dozen based on the size of your cookie cutters)

3 cups sifted flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup soft butter or margarine
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 tbsp light cream
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 400*. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and cut into flour mixture with mixer or pastry blender. Mix in egg, cream, and vanilla. Chill for at least four hours (makes the dough much easier to roll out). On a floured surface (with a floured rolling pin), roll out dough to an even thickness (approximately 1/4 inch) and cut into desired shapes (dip cutters into flour if they are sticky). Bake five to eight minutes on ungreased cookie sheet.

A simple way to dress up the cookies is just to toss some sprinkles on them right before baking. Frosting is always a good option--and a fun one to use to create a "decorate your own cookie" project for kids (or adults!). I also like to use an icing on my cookies--recipe for that coming later!