Martha's Blue Ribbon Sugar Cookies - Christmas

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until well mixed.

Step 2: Add 2 eggs to the creamed mixture. Mix well.

Step 3: In another large bowl, mix sifted flour, baking powder and salt together. Add to creamed butter mixture. Mix well.

Step 4: Add in grated orange rind, and mix well.

Step 5: Make into a ball, and chill in bowl covered with saran wrap, for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 6: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 7: With a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick on a very lightly floured surface.

Step 8: Make into desired shapes using cookie cutters. (I dip my cutters in flour before cutting each cookie, so they don't stick). If you don't have cookie cutters, you can use the bottom of a glass instead. Brush off any excess flour before putting them on the cookie sheet, if there is any.

Step 9: Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. You may use parchment paper if you like.

Step 10: Bake for 8 minutes (or you may preheat the oven to 300 degrees, and bake for 10 minutes).

Step 11: Let cookies cool on wire racks.

Step 12: Decorate.

Step 13: Store in a covered plastic container, or cookie tin.