Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sprinkles (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the sprinkles, if using.
7. Drop dough by tablespoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Sugar cookies are one of the oldest types of cookies, dating back to the 18th century.
• The addition of sprinkles to sugar cookies is a relatively recent innovation.
• Sugar cookies are popular around the holidays, as they can be decorated to look like trees, wreaths, snowmen, and more.