1 c. (2 sticks) butter
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

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream butter thoroughly; add sugar gradually and continue beating until mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.

Sift together dry ingredients. Gradually add to creamed mixture and mix thoroughly to blend. Wrap dough in waxed paper and chill several hours or overnight. On lightly floured surface roll dough 1/8 inch thick. With floured cookie cutters cut into desired shapes. Use a wide spatula to transfer to baking sheet. Bake 6 to 8 minutes. Remove immediately to wire rack to cool. Decorate as desired.