APIES COOKIE

This is one of our favorite recipe for a cut-out, decorated cookie. It is quite old, at least 100 years. The number of cookies the recipe yields depends on the sizes and shapes of the cookie cutters used. We always use an assortment.

INGREDIENTS

1-1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened

2-1/3 cups sugar

5 eggs

1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla

1 tablespoon milk

6-1/2 cups all purpose flour (more if needed)

5 teaspoons baking powder

Thoroughly cream butter and sugar. Add unbeaten eggs, vanilla and milk; mix well. Sift together flour and baking powder. Gradually add to creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. You will probably need to add up to another cup of flour to make a dough stiff enough to roll out. Chill overnight.

To bake, preheat oven to 350° F. Roll out a portion of chilled dough very thin. Cut into shapes. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugar or other sprinkles. Bake 6-8 minutes or until edges brown slightly. Cool completely. Store in airtight container. (If desired, cookies can be frosted after they are cooled.)