Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (227g) Unsalted Butter, softened but still cool
  • 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Vanilla Extract
  • 3 cups (360g) All-Purpose Flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon (4g) Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) Salt
  • 3 cups (360g) Powdered Sugar (for frosting, optional)
  • 4-6 tablespoons (60-90ml) Milk (for frosting, optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) Vanilla Extract (for frosting, optional)
  • Food Coloring (Optional): Gel food coloring preferred

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
  8. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
  9. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between each cookie. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. While the cookies are cooling, prepare your frosting. Once the cookies are completely cool, frost and decorate as desired. Enjoy your sugar cookies!