Rich Rolled Sugar Cookies

This is the only rolled and cut out sugar cookie I ever make. It's originally from the Joy of Cooking Cookbook that I had for years and years, but it ultimately fell apart from so much overuse. I needed a spot to store the recipe, so that we could always easily access it (without needing to purchase another copy of the cookbook), so that's what this is.

While these cookies are clearly Christmas cookies (that Colton decorated), this recipe is perfect for any sugar cookie occasion need. You can bake sprinkles right into them, spread frosting on them, or dip them into royal icing followed with sprinkles on top (like in this picture). You can also just eat them plain with milk (how I like them best).

INGREDIENTS

1 cup unsalted room temperature butter

2/3 cup sugar

1 large room temperature egg

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp vanilla or almond extract (I prefer to do 1 tsp vanilla and 1/2 tsp almond)

2 1/2 cup AP flour

DIRECTIONS

Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add and beat in the egg, baking powder, salt, and extract. Stir the flour in a little at a time until blended. Dump the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Sprinkle a tiny bit of flour on it and divide into 2 balls. Wrap the balls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take out on ball of dough at a time and roll out onto a lightly floured work surface using a flour dusted rolling pin. You may want to add a sprinkle of flour onto the dough as well. Roll the dough out to approximately 1/4" thickness. Dip your desired cookie cutters into flour and cut out your shapes. Place the cutouts onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Continue re-balling your dough and rerolling until you've got as many shapes out of it as you can. Repeat the same process with the second ball of dough when appropriate.

Bake approximately 9-11 minutes until puffed and slightly golden but still very light. Allow to cool on pan for 5 minutes before moving to cooling racks to cool completely.

Decorate as you wish and however makes you happy!

Colton 2023