This is our very favorite butter cookie. I keep a log or two in the freezer, so I can just slice off what I need.

BUTTER COOKIES

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla

Into a bowl sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat
butter until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until mixture is light and fluffy. Add egg and
vanilla and beat until combined well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating until mixture just forms a
dough.

Divide dough between 2 large sheets of wax paper and form each half into a 10- x 1 1/2-inch log,
wrapping it in wax paper. Chill logs until firm, at least 4 hours, and up to 5 days. Dough may be
frozen, wrapped in foil, 2 months. Let dough soften slightly before cutting. Preheat oven to 375°F.
and lightly butter a baking sheet.

Cut dough into 1/8-inch-thick slices and arrange slices about 1/2 inch apart on baking sheet. Bake
cookies in batches in middle of oven until golden around edges, 10 to 12 minutes, and transfer with a
metal spatula to a rack to cool. Cookies may be kept in an airtight container at room temperature 5
days.

Makes about 100 cookies.

Gourmet
February 1999