Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 sticks (8oz) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk to combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in eggs and the vanilla, mixing until incorporated and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the flour mixture; mix on low speed just until the dough comes together. Divide dough in half, press into a flat disc and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
4. Roll dough on a lightly floured work surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutters. Using a spatula, carefully transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between each cookie.
5. Bake until cookies are pale and set, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack. Cool completely before decorating.
6. Cook’s Note:
7. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container up to 1 week.