Ingredients
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional: add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for a richer flavor)
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, helps prevent spreading)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Additional flour for rolling
• Sugar cookie icing or sanding sugar for decorating (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
4. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently to form a smooth ball. Roll out dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutters. Gently transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges just start to golden brown. Let cookies cool slightly on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Decorate with your favorite icing or sanding sugar, if desired.