Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (12 tbsp)

• 1 cup granulated sugar (+1 tbsp for later)

• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk

• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla paste

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups AP flour

• 3/4 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp kosher salt

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, then set them aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a large bowl using a hand mixer), combine the butter and 1 cup of sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the eggs and both types of vanilla, then mix again until fully incorporated.

Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dough stiff.

Place the additional tablespoon of sugar in a small plate or bowl. Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into small, golf ball–sized balls and dip the tops into the sugar.

Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets with the sugared side facing up.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to crisp and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

This is a great basic, fail-safe recipe—feel free to customize by adding mix-ins, drizzling with chocolate, or topping with frosting.