Sugar Cookies

I've tweaked the original recipe in a couple of ways using ideas from "allrecipe" reviewers and other cookie recipes. Instead of butter, I used margarine...which didn't make it any softer but did give it a nicer taste; instead of 1 tsp. vanilla, I used 1-1/2 tsp. for added flavor; and the key to making them soft, as I've discovered with all cookie recipes, is 3/4 package instant vanilla pudding mix. Just throw it in with the flour/baking soda/baking powder mix and voila! Soft sugar cookies :) I also threw in some chopped walnuts in half of my batch, just for some variety ;)
Here's the original recipe ("Easy Sugar Cookies" from allrecipes.com):

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.