5-in-1 Cookies

Directions:

In large mixing bowl, combine butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla; using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat until light and fluffy.

Reduce mixer to low; add flour and salt, mixing until well combined, scraping bowl often.

Select cookie variation and continue with those directions. Dough may be refrigerated, covered, up to 7 days.

Variations:
Spritz Cookies
1. Place dough into cookie press with desired design.
2. Press out shapes 1-inch apart onto ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle with colored sugars, if desired.
3. Bake in a preheated 400 degree F oven 5-8 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Amount: about 7-8 dozen

Russian Tea Cakes
1. Increase butter to 2 cups and omit eggs from dough recipe. Add 1 (6 ounce) package Essential Everyday Pecan Pieces at the end of mixing; chill.
2. Roll dough into 1-inch balls; place onto ungreased baking sheet.
3. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven 10-15 minutes or until set, but not browned. While still warm, roll in Essential Everyday Powdered Sugar; cool completely. Roll in powdered sugar again.
Amount: about 5-6 dozen

Thumbprint Cookies
Tip: Thumbprint cookies are a classic for good reason and they are extra delicious (and easy!) with Essential Everyday Cherry Pie Filling and a drizzle of melted chocolate! Simply use your favorite thumbprint cookie recipes and add 1-2 tsp of cherry pie filling to the center of each one before baking.

1. Increase butter to 2 cups and omit eggs from dough recipe. Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
2. Separate 1 large egg; discard yolk and beat white with a fork until foamy. Dip each ball into egg whites and then roll in Essential Everyday Pecan Pieces.
3. Place 1-inch apart onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven 5 minutes. Remove from oven and quickly press thumb gently into center of each cookie; return cookies to oven and continue baking 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Fill cookies with your favorite variety of Essential Everyday Preserves.
Amount: about 6-7 dozen

Cookie Cutouts
1. Divide dough into fourths; work with one-fourth at a time keeping remaining dough refrigerated. Roll dough 1/8-inch thick on lightly floured work surface, cut with favorite cookie cutters.
2. Place cutouts onto ungreased baking sheet; sprinkle with colored sugar, if desired.
3. Bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven 6-8 minutes or until set but not browned.
Amount: about 6-7 dozen

Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
1. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in a mixture of 2 tablespoons Essential Everyday Granulated Sugar and 2 teaspoons Essential Everyday Ground Cinnamon.
2. Place 2-inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 400 degree F oven 7-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Amount: about 6-7 dozen