The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe

SUGAR COOKIES II

(Makes Approximately 40 3-inch Cookies)

4-1/2 cups sifted flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

½ cup milk

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter baking sheets. Sift together the dry ingredients.

Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs and beat well. Add the dry ingredients, 1 cup at a time, alternating with the milk and vanilla, beating well after each addition. Wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll 1 piece at a time on a floured board and cut with large cookie cutters.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

Cool on racks.

From The Martha Stewart Cookbook -- Collected Recipes for Every Day