My Mother-in-law gave me this recipe 45 years ago & we are still making it. I think you will like it a lot.
CHRISTMAS BUTTER COOKIES
2 cups butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
4 1/4 cups flour.
In large mixing bowl cream together butter & sugar until light & fluffy. Blend in vanilla & egg. Gradually blend in the flour. Cover & refrigerate at least two hours or over night. Preheat oven to 375. Roll out dough & cut with cutters. Bake 6 to 9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool one minute before removing from cookie sheet.
HINT: My MIL taught me to roll the dough the exact same thickness, so they will bake & brown evenly. She took a yard stick, cut it in half & then used each half on the sides of your dough. Making sure that your rolling pin rested on the yard stick pieces. Roll dough until even.
DECORATER ICING
2 egg whites
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
dash of salt
2 tsp. vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar
In small mixing bowl beat together egg whites, cream of tartar & salt until stiff peaks form but not dry. Stir in vanilla, gradually beat in sugar until shiny peaks form that hold slightly when beaters are raised. Divide into small bowls & add desired food color's for frosting.
Enjoy...........Cheryl