Mamie Eisenhower's Sugar Cookies

Living in the town where President Dwight David Eisenhower grew up and catering at the Eisenhower Center for several years, I've made Mamie's sugar cookie recipe more than once. This time it was for a special Abilene reception for Women of Excellence, an event planned by the Dickinson County Democratic Party. I used pink colored sprinkles as that was Mamie's favorite color.

Mamie's pink sugar cookies are display on the 3-tier stand.

Mamie Eisenhower's Sugar Cookies  Yield: About 2 1/2 – 3 dozen depending on size of cutter
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla 
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon milk or cream

Colored sugar for sprinkling

1. Combine the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. With the mixer running, add the egg yolks and vanilla. 
2. Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder into a bowl. With the mixer running, slowly add the flour mixture and the cream to the butter mixture. 
3. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator to chill for one hour. 
4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. 
5. Turn the cookie dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough and then cut as desired with cookie cutters. Place the cookies on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with colored sugar. 
6. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake at 375° F for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then transfer the cookies to a wire rack. Let cool completely then store in an airtight container. 
7. Variation: instead of the colored sugar, bake the cookies plain and then when cool spread with frosting or a powdered sugar glaze as desired.