Classic Sugar Cookies

Timeless sugar cookies make perfect canvasses for getting creative with colorful holiday icings and sprinkles! 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla extract 3 cups allpurpose flour 1/4 tsp. salt Cooking spray Royal Icing, recipe right Green concentrated food coloring 24 star candy sprinkles Red, white and green candies Red sanding sugar

Beat butter at medium speed 2 minutes or until creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating well. Add egg and vanilla, beating well. Gradually add flour and salt, beating until blended. Divide dough in half; cover and chill 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat baking sheets with cooking spray. Place dough on lightly floured surface; roll each portion to 1/4" thickness. Cut with desired cookie cutters. Place on baking sheets 2" apart.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Transfer to racks; cool.

Make Royal Icing. Divide icing and tint with food coloring; tint one darker green. (Icing dries quickly, so keep it covered at all times. Store any leftover in airtight container in refrigerator; bring to room temperature before using. Add a little water to thin it, if necessary.)

Spread darker green icing on bottom half of trees and lighter green icing on top halves of trees. Place a yellow star sprinkle on top of each tree. Using icing, candies and sanding sugar, decorate trees as desired. Makes 24 cookies.