This tasty rolled and cut cookie is just the perfect thing to frost and decorate.  What makes this my go-to recipe for cut-out cookies is that this dough tastes great and is easy to work with.

The secret?  There isn’t much sugar in this dough, yielding a very easy to roll dough that cuts cleanly and holds its shape in the oven.  This cookie is buttery, mildly sweet, and boasts a tender crunchy texture that isn’t overwhelmed with a slather of beautiful frosting.   Enjoy!

Vanilla Butter Cookies

2 sticks (8 oz) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup (3.5 oz) white sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Preheat oven to 400

Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder.  Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.  Add egg and vanilla, and mix until smooth and creamy.  Scape down bowl, and add flour, salt, and baking powder.  Mix on low until dough comes together.

Roll on lightly floured parchment paper until an even 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut out with cookie cutter.  Transfer to baking sheet, allowing 1 inch between cookies.  Bake at 400 for about 13 minutes, or until edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.  Cool.  Enjoy plain, or frost with your favorite buttercream and add decorations as you like.