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Vanilla Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4 from 65 reviews

Delight in these classic Vanilla Biscuits, also known as Sugar Cookies, with a tender crumb and sweet vanilla aroma. Perfectly buttery and subtly sweet, these cookies are ideal for decorating or enjoying plain with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened (or salted butter, omit salt)
  • 1 cup caster sugar (superfine sugar; granulated sugar also works)
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg (55-60g / 1.9-2oz)
  • 3 cups plain/all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt

Icing for Sugar Cookies (Optional)

  • Icing as desired for decoration

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until well combined.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  3. Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender.
  4. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll out.
  5. Roll and cut: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch (6mm) thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden.
  7. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Decorate: Once cooled, decorate the cookies with icing if desired. Let the icing set before serving.

Notes

  • Using salted butter? Omit the added salt in the recipe to balance flavors.
  • For softer cookies, bake on the shorter end of the time range; for crisper cookies, bake a little longer.
  • Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking and makes rolling easier.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to keep them fresh.
  • Customize with your favorite icing or sprinkles for festive occasions.