Butter Cookies

Makes 3 dozen cookies

1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2-1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

FROSTING

1/2 cup butter (no substitutes), softened

4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

3-4 Tablespoons milk

Food coloring

In a large mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Drop the dough by rounded Tablespoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-9 minutes, until set but not brown. Cool on wire racks. Beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla for the frosting until smooth. Blend in enough milk until desired spreading consistency is reached. Add food coloring if desired. Frost the cooled cookies.

This recipe comes from, "Taste of Home Annual Recipes; 1998" cookbook.