Bake, Run, Live

Day 4 of the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies!

I’m not a big fan of sugar cookies.

I’m sorry- they just taste a little blah in comparison to any cookie that has chocolate in it!

However, that doesn’t stop me from searching for a sugar cookie recipe that maybe I will like! I found one that I am really happy with! I like the flavor, and I like the texture. Though I think they would be better with a little chocolate or Nutella hidden in the middle!

Just kidding! These are really good just the way they are!

Vanilla Sugar Cookies
Recipe by Baking Illustrated

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 1/3 cups vanilla sugar, divided (regular sugar will work just fine)
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups flour, sifted

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Put 1/3 cup sugar in a small bowl, set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, 1 cup sugar, and brown sugar. Add in the egg and vanilla bean paste and mix well. Stir in the baking powder and salt. Add in the flour and stir until well combined.

Using a medium-sized ice cream scoop, scoop the dough then roll in the sugar that you set aside. Place the ball on a cookie sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. (Note: the dough is sticky, so I used food-safe gloves. However, by using an ice cream scoop, you eliminate a good amount of handling the dough- no need to roll it into a ball before rolling it in sugar!) Bake in a preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and let cool for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, move the cookies onto cooling racks and let cool completely. Enjoy!

Made with love, not calories!