Perfect Sugar Cookies
Why I Love This Recipe
Ingredients You'll Need
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter, softened to room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
5 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling out)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add vanilla extract, almond extract and orange zest; mix. Add two cups flour, baking powder and salt. Mix. Add remaining flour and mix just until flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth and soft.
Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes (2 hours preferably). Dust your counter with powdered sugar or flour and roll the dough to desired thickness.
Cut the dough into shapes. Place the cookies on a lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 7-8 minutes. Keep in mind that the cookies won’t appear browned at all when they are done baking so don’t let them overbake! (You can lightly touch them to check for doneness – still soft but not gooey)
Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack before frosting.
