Basic Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients for Basic Sugar Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• All Purpose Flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Icing Sugar
• Milk
• Food Coloring

How to Make Basic Sugar Cookies

1. Cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the sugar gradually in three additions.
2. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating in three additions until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
8. Place cookies 1 inch apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking for even browning.
10. Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cool, decorate with your favorite icing and sprinkles!