Basic Butter Cookie

These are ideal for cut out cookies. You can also sprinkle colored sugar or add nuts before baking to add your own personal touch. If adding either, brush cookies with beat egg white so that your decorations stick to the cookies. NEED: 1 3/4 cups all purpose-flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup butter-softened 1 cup sugar 1 egg, beaten 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 2 tablespoons of milk 3/4 square of chocolate - optional Stir butter until smooth and creamy, add sugar and blend well. Add beaten egg and vanilla..stir until blended. Slowly add dry ingredients..stir until mixed..add milk . If desired...separate dough into 2 equal parts and add melted, cooled chocolate to 1/2 and mix well. Roll, on floured surface until 1/8 inch thick and cut into desired shapes. You can also roll and slice if you'd like. It is much easier to slice if you refrigerate for at least an hour. This dough can be rolled and wrapped in plastic wrap or wax paper and kept in the refrigerator or up to a week. This way you can slice off a few at a time and bake some fresh, daily, if you'd like. Oven at 400 degrees. Bake 8 to 12 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Makes 3 to 4 dozen cookies. Enjoy!