Homemade Sugar Cookies

1 C. margarine/butter
2 C. sugar
1 T. vanilla
3 eggs beater
4 C. flour
1/2 T. salt
Combine flour and salt in a bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, mix butter, 1 c. sugar and vanilla. Add remaining sugar and eggs and beat. continue to beat on low speed while slowly pouring in flour mixture. Chill thoroughly. roll dough to 1/8-1/4" thiickness on a well-floured surface and cut. Place cookies on greased cookie sheets and bake 8-10 minutes in oven preheated to 400. Let cookies cool before decorating. Makes about 3 dozen.

Buttery Cookie Icing (for sugar cookies)
3 C. powdered sugar
1/3 C. margaring/butter softened
2 T. milk
1 1/2 T. vanilla
Blend margarine/butter and powdered sugar. Add milk and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Add food coloring as desired. After decorating, allow icing to set before stcking cookies.