Buttery Soft Christmas Cookies (Printable Version)

Buttery, soft sugar cookies with holiday flavor, ideal for festive gatherings and sharing.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
05 - 1 cup margarine, softened
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Sift all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl and set aside.
02 - Using an electric mixer, beat the granulated sugar and softened margarine together until smooth and creamy.
03 - Add one egg to the creamed mixture and beat until blended. Add the second egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
04 - Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms while avoiding overmixing.
05 - Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to facilitate handling.
06 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease two baking sheets.
07 - Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters and place on prepared sheets, gathering scraps to reroll.
08 - Bake cookies for 6 to 8 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
09 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For optimal texture, avoid overbaking; cookies should be lightly golden at the edges. Dough may be prepared in advance and chilled overnight to enhance flavor.