Sugar Cookies and Royal Icing

I can honestly say that I get compliments on these cookies every time I make them. Using real butter (vs margarine) makes the cookies much sweeter!

Sugar Cookies

1 cup sugar
1 cup butter, softened
3 Tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, milk, vanilla, and egg. Blend well.
Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix well. Mix flour mixture with sugar mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Heat oven to 400. On lightly floured surface, roll out 1/3 of dough at a time to 1/8-inch thickness. Keep remaining dough refrigerated.
Cut with floured cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. If desired, sprinkle with sugar.
Bake for 5 - 9 minutes.

Royal Icing
This makes the nice glossy looking icing.

2 egg whites
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 cups powdered sugar

In a medium sized bowl combine all ingredients. Beat until soft peeks form.
Use food coloring to make desired colored icing.
Use icing immediately or cover with plastic wrap.