Rolled Sugar Cookies

Prep:  20 minutes  Chill: several hours  Bake:  8 to 10 minutes  Makes: about 4 dozen cookies

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

2 eggs

3 cups flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Colored sugar and baking sprinkles 

Decorator frosting, 

Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Stir in vanilla and eggs. 

Stir together flour, baking soda and salt, then stir into butter mixture.  Wrap dough and refrigerate for several hours, or until firm.  Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.  Roll out dough 1/4-inch thick on a lightly floured board and cut into desired shapes: place on baking sheets. Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles at this point if desired. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until very lightly browned around the edges. Cool on a baking rack. When completely cool, decorate plain cookies with frosting, sugar and sprinkles, as desired. Let dry, then store in an airtight container.