My Mama's Sugar Cookies

My Mama's Sugar Cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla or vanilla paste

1/2 tsp lemon extract

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Cream together the butter and sugar till fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, and beat into butter mixture. Add in vanilla and lemon extract. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add flour mixture to butter, and mix till dough comes together. Divide dough into 2 portions. Flatten into a disc, and place in fridge for one hour.

To roll out: Lightly flour space and then place disc on flour and roll till about 1/4-inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Return leftover dough to refrigerator till ready to roll again. (This keeps them from spreading while baking.)

Bake cookies in a 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes. The time may differ depending on the size of your cookie. The best way to tell doneness is to bake until edges are light brown. Cool completely, and [then] decorate! I like to use royal icing or dip in melted semisweet chocolate.

 Kitchen Nugget: Use almond extract in lieu of lemon for a different flavor!