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Soft Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipe

These delightful homemade soft vanilla sugar cookies are incredibly tender with a rich, classic vanilla flavor, making them perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookies
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • plastic wrap
  • Rolling Pin
  • cookie cutters
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms.
  5. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until firm.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness; cut shapes with cookie cutters.
  8. Place cut cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
  9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Notes

For best results, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Do not overbake the cookies; they should be just set at the edges to remain soft. Chilling the dough is essential for easier handling and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.