2/3 c. butter
1 2/3 c. all purpose flour
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla or almond extract

In a large mixing bowl beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 30 seconds or until soft. Add about half of the flour, the sugar and the extract.

Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed until thoroughly combined, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally. Then beat or stir in the remaining flour.

Shape and bake cookies at 300 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Make about 10 big cookies.

FOR THE KIDS YOU WILL NEED: (Let them get involved)
Tape
Waxed paper
Dough
Food coloring
Foil
Cookie sheet
Hot pads
Pancake turner
Wire cooling rack

Tape pieces of waxed paper to the table. You will need one piece of waxed paper for each color. Divide cookie dough into several parts and place onto the pieces of waxed paper. Add food coloring into dough with your hands keep squeezing until dough is all the same color.

Tear a piece of foil the size of your cookie sheet and tape to the table and let the children shape cookies (like playdough). Make sure the cookies are about 1/2 inch thick and about 2 inches apart on the foil, remove the taped foil from table with adult help and place on cookie sheet, bake until set edges are firm. Remove to a cooling rack.