by Rachel Plett

Created on: May 24, 2007   Last Updated: May 25, 2007

We are used to seeing the sugar cookie all dressed up with icing and sprinkles. Without them, the cookie can appear dull and uninteresting. These sugar cookies, though you are more than welcome to spruce them up, need no support. They are surprisingly delicious on their own.

Ingredients:
3 cups all purpose flour,
1 teaspoon baking powder,
1 teaspoon baking soda,

1/8th a teaspoon salt,
1 cup margarine or butter,
2 eggs, 1 1/2 cups sugar,
1 teaspoon vanilla and
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract.

Method:
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix
well using fork or pastry blender. Cut in 1 cup margarine until mixture is crumbly.
In small bowl, beat eggs. Gradually add sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and lemon extract, beating until light.
Add to flour mixture in large bowl. Stir by hand until dough forms (if necessary, knead dough with hands to mix in dry ingredients). Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 hour for easier handling.
Heat oven to 375F. On lightly floured surface roll out 1/3 of dough at a
time to 1/8 inch thickness ( keep remaining dough refrigerated). Cut with
21/2- to 3-inch floured cookie cutters.
Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. If desired, decorate with decorator sugar or sprinkles.
Bake at 375 F for 6 to 11 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.
Immediately remove from cookie sheets. Cool 15 minutes or until completely cooled.
Makes 5 dozen cookies.

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