Posted by FootsieBear 8/29/2001 6:55 am

Browning the butter used in these traditional cookies adds extra richness and a nutty flavor.

1 cup butter
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk
Decorator sugars, if desired

Melt butter in 2-quart heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until butter turns a deep, rich brown color (6 to 8 minutes). Watch closely. Immediately pour into medium metal bowl. Cover; refrigerate for 45 minutes or until butter is cool to touch and softly solid.

Meanwhile, stir together flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl.

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Spoon butter into large mixer bowl; add sugar. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until well mixed (1 minute). Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture and milk to butter mixture; beat until well mixed (1 to 2 minutes). Fit cookie press with desired template; fill with cookie dough. Press dough into desired shapes onto ungreased cookie sheets. Sprinkle with decorator sugars, if desired. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely.