Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes on medium speed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste until fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Form and Roll Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Roll the disk to about 1/4-inch thickness using a rolling pin. Use lightly floured cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared cookie sheets spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating or serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Refrigerate dough if it becomes too soft to handle, but typically no chilling is necessary for this recipe.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Decorate the cookies once cooled with icing, sprinkles, or enjoy as they are.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
