1 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
3 3/4 c. sifted flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cream of tartar

Cream butter and sugar. Add beaten eggs and vanilla; blend well. Sift together flour, salt, soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually add flour mixture to creamed mixture. Chill dough thoroughly.

Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness on floured board. Cut with cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

ICING:

1/2 box powdered sugar
1/2 cube butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Milk

Gradually add milk until icing is smooth enough to spread on the cookies. Add less butter and cream cheese if you want a cream cheese icing.