How to Make Old Fashioned Christmas Sugar Cookies

I'm a purist. I like old-fashioned, made-from-scratch sugar cookies. You know the kind I'm talking about: the ones made from nothing but sugar and butter? (Well, they do have a handful more ingredients, but you know what I mean).

I'm not a fan of "lemon" sugar cookies, or using unsalted butter--yea, whatever! Just give me sugar cookies! So, for your nibbling pleasure (and sure to please Santa), here's the all-time best sugar cookie recipe. Plus, it's easy!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cookie sheet
• Cooling racks
• Christmas cookie cutters
• Decorative sprinkles

Mix 'em up!

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar.

2. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, baking powder and salt.

3. Gradually add in part of the flour. Mix well.

4. Add salt and baking powder. Gradually add in the remaining flour. Mix well.

5. On floured surface, knead dough by hand and shape into a large ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for two hours, or until firm.

Bake 'em up

6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

7. Grease the cookie sheet.

8. Lightly flour cutting board or cutting surface.

9. Roll out dough to a 1/4" thickness. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters dipped in flour. Place on cookie sheet at least 2 inches apart. Gather dough trimmings, roll out again and cut more cookies.

10. Decorate cookies with sugar crystals and candies.

11. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

12. Remove from baking sheet and carefully place on cooling racks. Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Placing cookies of unlike sizes on the same baking sheet will result in uneven cooking. So, bake small shapes together, and large shapes together.