Kristi’s Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

3 cups flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 cup margarine, softened (2 sticks)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 egg

Directions:

Combine flour & baking soda; set aside.

In large bowl, with electric mixer at medium speed, beat margarine, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Beat in egg until light and fluffy; gradually blend in flour mixture. Divide dough in half; wrap in plastic wrap. Chill dough 1 hour.

On floured surface, roll half the dough to 1/8 inch thickness. With floured cookie cutters, cut out cookies. Repeat with remaining dough, re-rolling scraps as necessary. Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375ºF for 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden. Remove to wire rack to cool. Decorate with icing and candies as desired. Store in airtight container.

Royal Icing:

3 tbsp. meringue powder

4 cups sifted sugar

6 tbsp. water

Directions:

Beat on high 5 minutes. To keep from drying out, store in a container covered with a wet paper towel.