Baking cookies during holidays is a fun activity to do with kids. I used the following recipe from Real Simple magazine.
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
3/4 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
Flour for rolling the dough out
Different cookie cutters
Preparation:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the vanilla. With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated (the dough will be stiff). Shape into a ball and refrigerate, wrapped in a plastic wrap, for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.
2. Preheat oven to 350 F. Take the dough out, cut the ball into quarters. Working in batches, roll out each dough quarter on a floured surface to a 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters and place on parchment-lined baking sheets; refrigerate until firm (about 10 minutes). Bake until just beginning to brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
3. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
