There’s no recipe collection that’s complete without the quintessential cookie: the sugar cookie. Honestly, there’s no way you could go wrong with these babies. Decorate them like crazy, or leave them plain to dip in your coffee. Cookie cutters come in virtually every shape these days, so get creative! I have a set of different flower cookie cutters that I love using in the spring and summer, but I’m also definitely digging my woodland creatures that came in a set at IKEA.

Classic Sugar Cookies (makes 2 dozen)

2 c. all-purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 c. unsalted butter

1 c. sugar

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 tbsp brandy or milk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Whisk together flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Working with small amounts at a time, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients mixing until incorporated. Add egg, brandy and vanilla and mix until smooth.

Shape dough into two discs, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with nonstick baking mats or parchment paper. Set aside.

On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheets, leaving an inch in between each cookie. Bake until lightly golden, about 10 minutes; do not allow to brown. Transfer to cooling rack and enjoy!

B’s Tip: Cutting cookies often take much longer than the actual baking. Prepare two or three batches of cookies in advance, and use the time in between taking them in and out of the oven to prep any decorations you’d like to use and for clean up.

You can stick to icing, or you can go all out with sprinkles. Or take a more sophisticated route and dip half of the cookie into a chocolate ganache. Place on waxed paper to harden.

Happy baking!

B

Baking with B appears every other Monday on the Keeping Busy with B Blog. Find out why I like baking so much here. For more of my baking, click here. And for even more recipe inspiration, check out my Pinterest full of food eye candy that will have you licking your computer. Promise.