Ultimate Butter Cookies Posted by kdipaolo 6/24/01 9:29:11 pm 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 large egg yolks 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour In a large bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter with the sugar, salt and egg yolk until smooth. Blend in the flour until the mixture blends into a smooth dough. Wrap the dough in a plastic bag and refrigerate 1/2 hour or up to two days. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Roll out the dough on a lightly-floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place on lightly-greased cookie sheets. Sprinkle with decorating sugar. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Yield: 3 1/2 dozen Candy Cane Butter Cookies Add 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon anise and 10-12 drops red food coloring. Hungarian Holiday Butter Nut Cookies Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 cup ground pecans.