1 c. unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 c. sifted confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 tsp. salt
Colored sugars, dragees for decorations, chocolate sprinkles, etc. or frostings

In large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients, add to butter mixture. Chill dough for easier handling. On lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/8 inch thickness. Sprinkle with coarse sugar or colored sugar, or other decorations. Bake in preheated 400 degree oven 6 to 8 minutes (until lightly browned). Remove immediately to wire rack to cool.

(Cookies can be baked without decorations and be decorated with colored frostings after baking). Cut out with cookie cutters in desired shapes.