Grandma's Cutout Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating until each is fully incorporated.
5. Add the vanilla and mix until combined.
6. Gradually add in the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Cut out into desired shapes using cookie cutters and transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
10. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Sugar cookies have been around since the 1700s.
• The traditional shapes used for cutout cookies are stars, circles, and hearts.
• Adding colored sugar on top of the cookies before baking adds a festive touch.