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Holiday Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

These classic holiday sugar cookies are buttery, soft, and perfectly sweet with a hint of vanilla. Easily cut into festive shapes, they bake up lightly golden and make an ideal treat for holiday gatherings or decorating fun with family and friends.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
  • 1 Tbsp aluminum-free baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and place a rack in the center. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates a creamy base for the dough.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and egg to the butter-sugar mixture, then beat until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Incorporate Flour Mixture: Gradually add the dry flour mixture in three parts to the wet ingredients, mixing each addition until the dough is thoroughly combined.
  6. Roll Out the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion out to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out holiday shapes.
  7. Bake Cookies: Arrange the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven at 350 °F for about 10 minutes, or until the edges start turning a light golden brown.
  8. Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate as desired with cookie icing or sprinkles.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
  • Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic aftertaste.
  • Rolling dough to consistent thickness helps with even baking.
  • For crispier cookies, roll dough thinner; for softer cookies, keep it slightly thicker.
  • Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • These cookies freeze well; freeze cut-out dough or baked cookies for later use.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/holiday-sugar-cookies-recipe/