1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups white sugar
1/2 cup butter, chilled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Use a candy thermometer to measure 1/2 cup sugar and place it in the bottom of a saucepan.
In a large bowl, mix together 1/2 cup sugar and egg until well blended.
In a medium bowl, stir together 8 1/2 cups flour and baking soda until smooth. Stir in the sugar mixture until well blended. Fold in the white sugar mixture. Fold in the butter.
Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake in preheated oven for 2 minutes, frosting will crisp. Frost cookies after the first two minutes. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes more before removing from the refrigerator.