Ingredients:
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
Food coloring (optional, for festive designs)
Sprinkles, icing, or sanding sugar for decoration
Instructions:
Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Mix dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Chill the dough:
Divide the dough into two portions. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Shape the cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out one portion of dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch (6mm) thickness.
Use festive cookie cutters to shape the cookies. Transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Decorate (optional):
Add sprinkles or sanding sugar to the cookies before baking for a festive touch.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate further:
Once cooled, decorate with icing or additional sprinkles if desired.
Prep Time: 15 min | Chill Time: 1-2 hours | Baking Time: 10 min | Total Time: ~2.5 hours
Calories: ~100 Kcal per cookie (depending on size) | Makes: 24-30 cookies