Holiday Sugar Cookies

No Holiday cookie tray is complete without traditional cut-out sugar cookies. This is a simple recipe that rolls easily and bakes up delicious cookies perfect for any kind of decoration, from colored sugars to icings and glazes.

Hands-On Time: 10 minutes
Ready In: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Yield: 2 dozen cookies

2/3 cup butter - softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Cream together butter and sugar until light.
3. Add vanilla and egg and stir until well combined.
4. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape dough into a flat disc and wrap in waxed paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour before rolling.
6. Dust rolling surface with an equal mixture of all-purpose flour and powdered sugar. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
7. Place cut cookies onto a baking sheet prepared with cooking spray or covered with parchment paper.
8. Decorate with colored sugar or other decorations as desired.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until very lightly golden.
10. Cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes before removing to racks to cool completely.