I use this recipe, as well as my sugar cookie recipe and shortbread cookie recipe as the base for most of my cookie creations.

They are all versatile and easy to make.

Yield: 2 dozen

1 cup softened butter

1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
food coloring (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cream butter with 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla using mixer.
Add the flour to make batter stiff.
Make into 2 rolls using waxed paper.
Divide remaining sugar into bowls and color with food coloring. I usually do at least 2 colors. This is optional.

Place sugar on a piece of waxed paper and spread sugar out.
Roll cookie tube in colored sugar. Wrap rolls up using wax paper. Refrigerate rolls to stiffen for about 30-45 minutes.
Slice in 1/4 inch slices and bake just until bottom starts to become golden. Do not over bake. 7-9 minutes.
Prep time includes refrigeration time.