# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
05 - 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
06 - ½ teaspoon baking powder
07 - ½ teaspoon salt
→ For Rolling and Decorating
08 - Additional all-purpose flour for rolling
09 - Royal icing, colored sugars, or sprinkles (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
02 - Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat until fully combined.
03 - Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl until evenly blended.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until soft dough forms without overmixing.
05 - Divide dough in half, shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disk to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
08 - Place cutouts on prepared baking sheets spaced about 1 inch apart.
09 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
10 - Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11 - Decorate cooled cookies with royal icing, colored sugars, or sprinkles as desired.
