Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks/227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) salt
  • Royal icing (optional)
  • Sprinkles (optional)
  • Sanding sugar (optional)
  • Edible glitter (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
  8. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cooled, decorate the cookies with royal icing and sprinkles as desired.