Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even browning.
- Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Continue mixing on medium-high speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat again on medium speed until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix just until the flour disappears; do not overmix the dough.
- Step 5: Shape the Dough. Scoop about one tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Step 6: Bake to Perfection. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be just barely golden, while the centers still look soft. Do not overbake, or the cookies will become hard.
- Step 7: Cool Down. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Move them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before eating or decorating.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian