Deluxe Sugar Cookies

This sugar cookie recipe is my all time favorite. If you don't cook them too long, and cut them thick enough, they are super soft, and oh so good.

Cream together:
2 c. butter, softened
3 c. powdered sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. lemon or almond extract
Blend in:
4 ½ c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cream of tartar
Cover and chill dough for 2-3 hours. Roll dough to desired thickness, about ¼-3/8 inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters, and then place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 6-8 minutes at 375, then cool and frost.

Decorators Icing
1 lb. Powdered sugar (3 ¾ c.)
1 tsp. cream of tartar
½ tsp. salt
¼ water
1/3 c. shortening
1 tsp. almond or lemon extract
Beat at least 5 minutes on medium high speed