Cutout Sugar Cookies

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Combine sugar and butter in a mixing bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer.

2. Step 2

   Using the paddle attachment of the mixer, or a wooden spoon if you are doing this by hand, blend butter and sugar until no granules of sugar show. Lightly stir in salt, egg and vanilla.

3. Step 3

   Stir in flour in thirds. Add just enough to make a dough that forms a mass and that is very soft but not sticky. It should be pale yellow in color.

4. Step 4

   Gather dough in a ball, wrap in wax paper or plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour, and preferably 3 or 4 hours or overnight.

5. Step 5

   Heat oven to 350 degrees. On a floured surface, roll chilled dough to a thickness of about ⅛ inch. Dust rolling pin and dough with cake flour as needed. Using cookie cutters, make shapes and transfer to baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

6. Step 6

   Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, depending on the size of the cookie. The bottoms should be just beginning to turn golden. If they’re brown, you’ve cooked the batch too long.

7. Step 7

   Transfer cookies to cooling rack. Let cool completely, then decorate with icing, sprinkles and dusting sugars.