Instructions:
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add egg and vanilla: Mix until smooth and well combined.
Add dry ingredients: Gradually add flour mixture, mixing just until dough forms.
Chill dough: Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour (this helps cookies keep their shape).
Shape cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough ¼-inch thick on a lightly floured surface and cut with cookie cutters.
Bake: Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake 8–10 minutes, until edges are just golden.
Cool & decorate: Let cool before decorating with icing or sprinkles.
Optional Finishes:
Glazed Sugar Cookies: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk for a simple glaze.
Sprinkle Sugar Cookies: Add colored sugar before baking.
Lemon Twist: Add 1 tsp lemon zest for a bright flavor.
5. Cream Cheese Cookies
Makes: about 30 cookies
Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter , at room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese , at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg , at room temperature
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar , for dusting
