Having a good, reliable sugar cookie recipe in your repertoire is a must for every home baker. Sugar cookies are incredibly diverse and can be turned into many different kinds of cookies. For a clever take on place settings think about making these sugar cookie stand outs. Part of the dough is dyed red and two cookie cutter shapes are used to make the letter and the backing. These make beautiful edible ornaments come holiday time. To take a look at the recipe, read more

Sugar Cookie Standouts
From Better, Homes, and Gardens magazine

2/3 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all-purpose flour
red (or any other color) food coloring
Edible glitter, sparkling sanding sugar, or granulated sugar (optional)

1. In a large mixing bowl beat butter on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg, milk, and, vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour.
2. Tint one-third of the dough red with 3/4 teaspoon liquid red food coloring before chilling. Cover and chill dough for 2 to 3 hours or until easy to handle.
3. On a lightly floured surface form a mound by dropping small amounts of each of the doughs close together in a random pattern. Gently shape the mound into a ball. Divide in half. Cover and chill until easy to handle.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll half the dough at a time to 1/8 inch thickness. Using a 3-inch alphabet-shaped cutter, cut into desired shapes. Sprinkle with edible glitter, sparkling sanding sugar, or granulated sugar, if desired. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 7 to 8 minutes or until edges are firm and very lightly browned. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

Makes 36 cookies.

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