Sugar Cookies

I haven't make sugar cookies in...ever? Not since I was little anyway. My guildmate was raving about this recipe and insisted that I try it. They came out very tender and buttery. I dipped them in a little chocolate and put some toasted chopped pecans on top. I was happy to have a chance to use my forest animal cookie cutters. I also did another batch of bears without pecans but dipped in chocolate with a teaspoon and a half of peppermint extract. Mintybears!

I did have some trouble with the dough being sticky but it just needed to go back into the refrigerator for a bit longer. This recipe came from ourbestbites.com. 

 
Sugar Cookies
1 cup real butter at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla)
3 C flour, lightly spooned into measuring cups and leveled (don’t scoop it!)
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy- about 2 minutes. Add in egg and extract and mix to incorporate.

 In a separate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. A very important note: It’s important to correctly measure your flour or you will end up with a dry, crumbly dough. Never, ever use your measuring cup to scoop up the flour. Use a regular sized spoon and spoon the flour into the cup and then level it off with a knife.

Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until completely combined. Chill the dough in the fridge for about an hour, or use this great tip to make things easier: When your dough is made, instead of putting it in the fridge, immediately roll between 2 sheets of waxed or parchment paper and then place on a flat surface in the fridge. Chill for about 20-30 minutes and then start cutting it out. This way it chills faster and the bonus is that you don’t need to add extra flour to roll it out.

 If you don’t use this tip, proceed as follows: When you’re ready to roll out dough lightly sprinkle flour onto your work surface and roll out dough with a rolling pin.

Bake at 350 for 8-12 minutes. The baking time really depends on how you like them. If you like them slightly chewy, about 8-9 minutes does it. If you like them slightly crisp and buttery, then go for 10-12.