Perfect Cut Out Cookie Dough

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well until everything is 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 or by hand until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

5. Divide the dough into two equal parts and shape each portion into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.

6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Once the dough has chilled, flour a clean surface and roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.

8. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie.

9. Gather the scraps of dough, reroll, and cut out more shapes until all the dough is used.

10. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.

11. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can decorate them with royal icing, sprinkles, or any other decorations you prefer.