Ingredients
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/4 tsp salt
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1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
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1 cup sugar
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1 large egg
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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Decorating cookie icing, as needed
Steps
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar 2–3 min., until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla. Mix well. In batches, slowly add dry ingredients on low speed until combined.
2
Divide dough into 2 disks, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate 2 hours, or until firm.
3
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment. Unwrap dough and roll out on lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes, rerolling and cutting out until dough is all used.
4
Arrange on cookie sheets, spacing 1 inch apart. Bake cookies 8–10 min., until golden, switching racks halfway through. Let cool slightly and transfer cookies to a wire rack to fully cool. Decorate with frosting when cool.
Tips
For more elaborate shapes, be sure to chill the dough after cutting them out but before baking to help them hold their shape better.
