Sugar Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup margarine, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
sugar sprinkles

Beat butter and margarine at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating well. Add egg and vanilla, beating well.

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Cover and chill at least 1 hour or until firm enough to handle.

Divide dough in half; roll each portion to 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut dough into assorted shapes with floured cookie cutters; place on lightly greased baking sheets. Sprinkle with sugar sprinkles.

Bake at 350 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on pans 1 minute; remove to wire racks to cool.

Yield: about 6 dozen

Recipe from Southern Living magazine (July 1999)