The BEST Cut Out Cookie Recipe...

The Best Cut Out Cookie Recipe...

 that I've found.

• 1 cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking pans with parchment paper and set aside.
• Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
• Add the egg, vanilla, baking powder, and salt, and mix until combined and smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
• Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour, only mixing until the dough just comes together. Give it a final mix with a rubber spatula, folding and pressing it together, to ensure all of the flour is mixed in.
• Separate the dough in half and work with one piece at a time, roll the dough ¼-inch thick. Cut out shapes as desired and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 1 inch of space between cookies.
• Bake until the cookies look set and are slightly firm to the touch but still pale, about 10 to 12 minutes.
• Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.