Adapted from Easy Desserts: Recipes Anyone Can Make
Makes about 2 dozen cookies
20 minutes preparation time, plus time for chilling
20-25 minutes baking time
2 sticks butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups unbleached white flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until it lightens in color and then gradually add the brown sugar. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and mix thoroughly. Add the flour, salt, and baking soda, and mix again. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
When you are ready to bake the cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Using a tablespoon, scoop out the dough and roll it into balls. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookies are golden. Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for a couple of minutes before removing them.