Butter Cookies

A holiday classic and my hubby's favorite cookie ever, I was surprised at how quickly they come together with basic, everyday, cookie-making ingredients. These will stay on my holiday baking list for years to come. Whether you roll them out and cut them, or make simple drop-style cookies out of this dough, they are sure to be a big hit with kids of all ages....even the adult ones!

1 1/2 sticks butter, softened ($.45)
1/3 C. granulated sugar ($.10)
1/4 C. packed light brown sugar ($.10)
1 egg ($.10)
1/2 tsp. butter extract ($.10)
2 C. flour, all purpose ($.15)
3/4 tsp. baking powder ($.10)
pinch of salt ($.05)

Beat butter, sugars, egg, and extract together in large bowl until well blended. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and mix well. Cover and chill until firm (about 43 hours to overnight).

Preheat oven to 350.

Roll dough on lightly floured surface with floured rolling pin until dough reaches a thickness of about 1/4". Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on ungreased cookie sheet(s).

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove cookies to a wire rack to cool. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Yields = 24-30 cookies
Cost: $1.15
Cost per cookie: $.05

** To make this recipe a little more affordable, swap out margarine for part or all of the butter - just increase the amount of butter extract by 1/4 tsp. for every half stick of margarine that you substitute in.