Classic Sugar Cookies

A classic, go-to recipe for rolled sugar cookies. Get creative with cookie cutter shapes!

Serves: 1-2 dozen, depending on cookie cutter size

Prep Time: 20 min, plus 1 hour chilling time

Cooking Time: 12 min

Total:  30 min, plus 1 hour chilling time

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla or 1/2 tsp. vanilla and zest of 1 lemon

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
2. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.  Stir into butter mixture until fully combined.
4. Cover dough and refrigerate for 1 hour.
5. Roll dough a 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface, or on a sheet of parchment paper.
6. Cut into shapes using a knife or cookie cutter and place 1 inch apart on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes, and cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Ice with royal icing, sprinkles or other decorations and store in an airtight container.  Undecorated cookies freeze well if placed in a container, with layers of cookies separated by parchment paper.

Recipe from allrecipes.com