Valentine Cookies to die for.

For years my kids, and their friends, have devoured my sugar cookies and begged for more. They have come to expect them every holiday. (Okay, maybe not groundhog day or flag day). So I decided to share my tried and true recipe with you for my mid-month make-something madness. I realize its not quite the middle of the month yet, but I wanted to put this post out a little early so you will have time to make these for your sweet heart. Or just anyone with a sweet tooth. Now if you're the kind of person that perfers the super sweet, flat-flavored, pasty-type sugar cookie, this recipe might not be for you. This cookie is the kind that melts in your mouth, soft and savoury, with that hint of buttery twange that tantalizes your taste buds and manipulates your hand to reach for more.

Just a little hint to make them better. Bake and frost them a day ahead and place them in an air tight container overnight. I bet you never thought making good cookies was like making good wine. (Not that I've ever made wine--except one time by mistake with a poorly sealed bottle of homemade grape juice). The moisture from the frosting fusses in with the cookie, along with its flavor, making the cookie softer and more flavorful.

Give them a try. You'll not be sorry.

CAROLYN'S SUGAR COOKIES:  makes aproximately 3 1/2 dozen 4" cookies

2 cups butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup powdered sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
Cream above ingredients together and then add:
4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
Mix together and then roll out aprox.1/4" thick
 (cab be done immediately w/o needing to chill)

Bake at 350 degrees for aprox 11-12 min. depending on size of cookie.
Bake until you see the first signs of brown on the edges.
Cool and frost with buttercream frosting.

FROSTING
1/4 cup butter (soft)
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
Mix together until smooth. Add food coloring, frost cookies and ENJOY!