Julie is hosting an online cookie-exchange so I thought that I would play along and post my cookie recipe.  I got it from my mom, and it is excellent.  It tastes just like those big pink-frosted cookies that you can buy in gas stations. 

The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

1 1/2 cup softened butter

2 cups white sugar

4 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

5 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.  Beat in eggs and vanilla.  Sitr in flour, baking powder and salt.  Cover and chill overnight.  Roll and cut cookies.  Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes.  Makes about 40 cookies. 

Behka asked me for my easy caramel recipe so I thought I would post that at the same time.  First, if you want to start making candies you need to buy this book.  It has so many good recipes and tips in it .  I pull it out every year when I am making chocolates. 

30 Minute Caramels

1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

1 1/2 cups light corn syrup

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/4 tsp salt

Butter a 9″ square baking pan and set aside.  In a heavy 4 qt saucepan, combine milk, corn syrup, sugars, butter and salt.  Place over medium heat and stir with a wooden spoon until mixture comes to a boil.

 Clip on candy thermometer.  Stir constantly to prevent scorching, cook to 240F or soft-ball stage.  Pour into prepared pan.  Cool until firm.  Cut into 1 inch square.  Makes 81 pieces. 

Tips: Use a HEAVY knife to cut the caramels.  Place an ice pack underneath to keep them cool while cutting.  Waiting 24 hours will help make cutting them easier.