Best-Ever Chocolate Cutout Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and eggs and mix until combined.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and cocoa powder.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
7. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thick.
8. Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on a greased baking sheet.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cookies are set and lightly browned.
10. Allow to cool before serving.

Interesting Facts

• These cookies can be decorated with melted chocolate or icing for a special touch.
• They freeze well, so you can make a large batch and enjoy them for weeks.
• These cookies are rich and decadent, but are surprisingly easy to make.