Good Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie

Do you ever get in the mood for just a good, plain, old fashioned sugar cookie?  Me too.  My favorite way to have them is with cream cheese frosting.

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup white sugar

1 cup butter (softened to room temperature)

1 egg, lightly beaten

3 tablespoons half-and-half

2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.  Cut in butter and blend with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. With a fork, stir in a lightly beaten egg, vanilla,and half-and-half.  Blend well with fork, then your hands to ensure thorough blending.  Chill dough for one hour for easier rolling.  On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.  Place on baking sheet covered with parchment paper.  Sprinkle with sugar or leave plain for decorating with icing.  Bake for 6-7 minutes or until lightly brown.