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
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 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.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating until each is fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla and mix until combined.
- Gradually add in the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Cut out into desired shapes using cookie cutters and transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- 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.
