Ultimate Butter Cookie

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. 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, 1 cup
ground pecans

Maple Butter Cookies: add 1 teaspoon maple flavoring, substitute 1/4
cup brown sugar for 1/4 cup of the white sugar