Butter Cookies

My mother made these cookies for almost every festive occasion using different shaped cookie cutters. They practically melt in your mouth.

Ingredients:

1 cup of butter (2 sticks) softened
1/2 cup of brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 cups flour

Directions:

Combine butter and sugars in a large bowl. if desired you could add some additional flavoring you prefer such as vanilla or almond extract, orange or lemon zest, etc.

Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Add flour and beat on low speed until well blended, taking care not to overbeat.
Divide the dough in half and flatten to about 1 in thickness. Wrap in wax paper or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm but not hard.

Preheat the oven to 350 deg.
Take out 1 roll of dough and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll to about 1/8 in thickness. Cut dough into desired shapes (star shape is nice for Xmas). Place on ungreased cookie sheets about 1 in apart. repeat with the remaining dough. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are slightly brown.
Transfer to racks and cool completely. If desired, you can sprinkle with sugar or colored sugar before baking.
Makes 4 doz cookies if 3 in cutters are used.