These timeless holiday treats are perfect for decorating and sharing with loved ones. With a soft center and crisp edges, they provide the ideal canvas for festive icing and sprinkles.
Quick Recipe Details
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 24 cookies
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 and a half cups all purpose flour
half teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon water
Instructions
1 In a large bowl cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2 Add the egg and vanilla extract then beat until well combined.
3 Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
4 If the dough feels too crumbly add one tablespoon of water to help it come together.
5 Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least one hour to make it easier to handle.
6 Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
7 On a lightly floured surface roll the dough to a quarter inch thickness.
8 Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on a baking sheet.
9 Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are just barely golden.
10 Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
Simple Tips
Do not overwork the dough or the cookies will become tough.
Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
Easy Substitutions
Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
Swap butter for margarine if necessary though the flavor will change slightly.
Dietary Notes
Contains gluten and dairy.
Can be made with a gluten free all purpose flour blend.
Final Note
Enjoy baking these festive treats and making wonderful holiday memories with your family and friends.
