Sugar Cookies

By LynnWelch

Simple sugar cookies couldn't be more versatile. Go glamorous with ornament-shaped cutters and colorful icing — or whip up something really sweet by frosting 5-inch by 7-inch cookies with Royal Icing, then adding a thoughtful note with food-safe markers.

Ingredients

• 2 stick(s) softened unsalted butter
• 1 cup(s) sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1.5 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
• 3.25 cup(s) all-purpose flour

Details

Servings 16
Preparation time 35mins
Cooking time 165mins
Adapted from delish.com

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, using a mixer set on medium-high, beat together softened unsalted butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and salt. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add all-purpose flour, beating until ingredients are combined. (Dough will be slightly sticky.)

Divide dough into 4 equal portions and cover each in plastic wrap, patting into 1/2-inch-thick squares. Chill until firm, about 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. On a floured surface, roll out dough, a square at a time, to 1/3 inch thick. Cut out cookies using ornament- or tag-shaped cutters. Transfer cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 10 minutes.

Bake until lightly golden, about 12 minutes. Cool completely on pan or wire rack before decorating.

Royal icing creates a firm surface that's perfect for writing on with food-safe markers. To make, blend 2 cups confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons meringue powder, and 3 tablespoons water using a mixer set on low speed for 12 minutes.