Description

These classic holiday cookies offer a nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth texture with edges that stay perfectly crisp. Made with simple pantry staples, the dough holds its shape beautifully through the baking process, making it the perfect base for your favorite festive decorations.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until smooth.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, mixing on low speed until just combined.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a 1/4-inch thickness and use cookie cutters to create holiday shapes.
Place cutouts on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges just barely start to show a hint of golden brown.
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For the most consistent results, always use the spoon-and-level method when measuring your flour to prevent the cookies from becoming too dry. If your kitchen is warm and the dough becomes difficult to handle, a brief chill in the refrigerator will help the shapes release cleanly from your cutters and maintain their sharp edges during baking.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American