The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Decorating sugar or sprinkles for topping

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes and place on prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle with decorating sugar or sprinkles.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown. Let cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• Sugar cookies originated in Germany, with the oldest known recipe dating back to the 16th century.
• Rolled sugar cookies are also known as "cutout" cookies because they are cut out using cookie cutters.
• Rolled sugar cookies can be decorated with a variety of icings, sugars, and sprinkles.