I've seen the Cookie by Design (I'm not sure if they are national or not) cookies and they are so cute but when I make sugar cookies (i've tried many recipes) they always spread when baked and I don't get the nice edges and sharp designs like they do. Any tips or recipes? I have a cookie exchange party on Thursday and I'd like to make these

There is a nice tutorial here on CC: http://cakecentral.com/articles/112/how-to-bake-decorate-cookies

I think that there are a few simple things that help cookies keep their shape. Chill, chill, chill the dough, use a high flour low butter recipe and roll the dough a little thicker than the usual 1/4".