1 c butter
2 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs, beaten
4 c flour
1/2 tsp salt

Combine flour and salt in a bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix butter, 1 cup sugar and vanilla. Add remaining sugar and eggs and beat. Continue to beat on low speed while slowly pouring in flour mixture. Chill thoroughly. Roll dough to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness on a well floured surface and cut with cookie cutters. Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F. Let cookies cool and decorate with icing or as desired.

Buttery Cookie Icing:

3 c powdered sugar
1/3 c butter, softened
2 tbsp milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Blend butter and powdered sugar. Add milk and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Add food coloring as desired. After decorating, allow icing to set before stacking cookies.