Chewy Sugar Cookies

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 ¼ cups margarine

2 cups white sugar

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

¼ cup white sugar for decoration

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just blended.

Wrap dough with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and roll the balls in remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Place cookies 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets and flatten slightly.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned at the edges. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.