Bereavement cookies - simple sugar cookies - add a splash of sweetness to a sad time without the festive joy of, say, a colorful cupcake with a big happy swirl of frosting.
In a medium-sized bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg.
Mix in the vanilla, salt, and flour until well-combined.
Cover and chill the dough for about four hours.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Roll out the cold dough on a lightly floured counter to about 1/4" thick (no need to break out your ruler) and cut with cookie cutters or the rim of a glass.
Transfer cookies to cookie sheets lined with parchment paper or Silpats.
Bake 8-10 minutes or until the edges just start to brown.