Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (approx. 50g), at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) salt
  • Royal icing, sprinkles, edible glitter, food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Combine softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  2. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  5. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or longer).
  6. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  7. Roll and Cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
  8. Bake: Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  9. Cool and Decorate: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, sprinkles, etc.