Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated white sugar
  • 1 large (50g) egg, room temperature
  • 2 tsp (10ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated white sugar

Instructions:

  1. Cream the base. Combine the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar in a bowl. Use medium speed until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.
  2. Add liquids. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
  3. Whisk dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Combine. Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until a smooth dough forms. Stop as soon as the white streaks of flour disappear.
  5. Chill the dough. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This is where the flour hydrates and the butter firms up.
  6. Prep the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Roll it out. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to exactly 1/8 inch thickness.
  8. Shape and coat. Use cutters to create shapes. Gently press the cutouts into the extra bowl of granulated sugar.
  9. Bake. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn a pale gold color.
  10. Cool. Transfer to a wire rack immediately. Let them firm up for 5-10 minutes.