Classic Rolled Sugar Cookies

 from dinner with Julie

1 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg yolk

1 tsp vanilla 

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

 

Beat butter, sugar, egg yolk and vanilla for 2-3 minutes until pale and light.  Add flour and salt, stir just until the dough comes together.  Gather in a ball, shape into a disc, wrap air tight and refrigerate for 20 minutes  or until you're ready to bake.

When you're ready to bake, heat the oven to 350F.  Let the dough warm up slightly so that you can roll it easily.  Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick, cut into shapes.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.  They will be pale golden around the edges when they're done. 

Once cooled completely, decorate.

Makes about 2 dozen medium size cookies