Cut out Sugar Cookies
INGREDIENTS
□ 1 CUP BUTTER (2 sticks)
□ 1 CUP SUGAR
□ 1 LARGE EGG
□ 1TSP VANILLA
□ 1TSP BAKING POWDER
□ 1/4 TSP SALT
□ 3 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350°.
Cream together softened butter and sugar for 5 minutes. Scraping the sides every few minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla into the mixture, beat for another 3 minutes or until light and fluffy
Add baking powder and salt to the mixer, then slowly add in your flour. Your mixture will look crumbly at first but keep mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and forms a nice ball. The second it forms a ball, stop mixing, over mixed dough will result in a harder cookie.
Roll your dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Cut your cookies into desired shapes and place onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
Place your cookie sheet into the freezer for 5 minutes before baking. (I have skipped this step, and the cookies still turn out great, the lines are just slightly less crisp. You can always test bake a cookie both ways and see what you like best. When I am in a pinch for time, I do not place them in the freezer, and they still hold their shape fairly well.)
Bake for 9-11 minutes or just until the tops are no longer shiny. They will not change much in color.
Let cool for about 1 minute on the cookie sheet and then transfer them to a wire cooling rack.
Allow them to completely cool before decorating!
If you would like to decorate them, and want something simple, quick, and delicious try this easy buttercream frosting!