Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. Set this bowl aside for now.

Next, in a separate large bowl or stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. The butter should be softened but not melted—this allows it to cream with the sugar, creating a light, airy texture.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla is what gives these cookies their signature flavor, so be sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best result.

Step 2: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until combined. Mix just until there are no visible streaks of flour. The dough will come together as a soft, pliable ball.

If the dough feels a little too sticky or soft, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until the dough firms up. If the dough feels too dry, add a tiny bit more milk until it’s just right. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too much.

Step 4: Roll and Cut the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thick. The dough should be firm enough to roll out easily without being too sticky. If the dough sticks to the rolling pin or surface, sprinkle a little extra flour on top.

Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes, such as circles, stars, hearts, or even seasonal shapes for holidays. If you want to create a more uniform look, you can also use a round biscuit cutter or simply cut the dough into squares.

Step 5: Roll the Cookies in Sugar

For added sweetness and texture, lightly roll each shaped dough piece in granulated sugar before placing it on the baking sheet. This gives the cookies a slight crunch on the outside and a beautiful finish.

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading. They don’t spread much, so you don’t have to worry about overcrowding.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center of the cookies should still be soft. You want them to be perfectly baked without becoming overly crispy.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Decorate the Cookies (Optional)

Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can decorate them however you like. Use royal icing to pipe intricate designs, or simply dust them with colored sugar or sprinkles for a festive touch. You can also dip them halfway into melted chocolate and sprinkle with festive toppings.

Decorating is an opportunity for creativity, so have fun with it! You can use the cookies as party favors, gifts, or simply as a delightful treat for your loved ones.