1 c. light salted butter, softened (I use Land O'Lakes)
1/2 c. plus 1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 c. sifted all purpose flour

Using a mixer, cream butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, then stir in flour. Place dough on a lightly floured board and knead with hands until smooth, being careful not to work it too much or it will be tough.

Cut dough in half and flatten into a small flat round. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for about 30 minutes. (Dough may be colored, add food coloring before chilling).

Roll out on lightly floured board, a scant 1/4 inch thick pastry, and cut out with cookie cutter and decorate. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 300 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. These cookies are not supposed to brown very much.