Recipe:

Classic Sugar Cookies

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Makes about 3 dozen

Dress up these simple cookies with a dusting of decorating sugar or a drizzle of icing. Instead of using cookie cutters to make these cookies, form dough into two 8- to 10-inch ropes before chilling, then cut into 1/2-inch thick slices before baking.

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
2 cups flour, plus more for rolling out cookies
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Method

In a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed, beat butter, sugar and vanilla together until light and fluffy. Beat in egg until well blended. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. With mixer at low speed, beat flour mixture into butter mixture to blend well. Divide dough in half and shape into two discs. Wrap in waxed paper and chill until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Dust work surface and rolling pin lightly with flour. Working with one disc of dough at a time, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thick and cut out cookies with floured cookie cutters. Transfer cookies to parchment paper-lined baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart, and bake until lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. Decorate as desired and store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Per serving (2 cookies/33g-wt.): 130 calories (50 from fat), 5g total fat, 3.5g saturated fat, 25mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 20g total carbohydrate (0g dietary fiber, 9g sugar), 2g protein

Tags: Make Ahead, Gifts, Family Friendly, Cooking with Kids, American, Vegetarian, Low Sodium

Note: We've provided special diet and nutritional information for educational purposes. But remember — we're cooks, not doctors! You should follow the advice of your health-care provider. And since product formulations change, check product labels for the most recent ingredient information. See our Terms of Service.