One of the main reasons to make sugar cookies without baking powder or baking soda is to maintain their shape. Traditional sugar cookies often spread while baking due to the leavening agents. When you omit these, your cookies will hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for cut-out cookies that need to retain their design.

Creating sugar cookies without baking powder and vanilla extract simplifies the recipe. You’ll need basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making this a quick and easy baking project.

To make sugar cookies without baking powder or vanilla extract, you will need the following ingredients:

Butter: 1 cup (room temperature)
Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
Egg: 1 large (room temperature)
All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups
Salt: ½ teaspoon

These ingredients will yield a batch of delicious, buttery cookies that are perfect for decorating or enjoying plain.

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.

Add the Egg: Incorporate the room-temperature egg into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.

Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thick.

Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Once your cookies have cooled, you can enjoy them plain or decorate them with icing or sprinkles. If you want to add some flavor, consider using almond extract or lemon zest, which can complement the sweetness of the cookies nicely.

Making sugar cookies without baking powder and vanilla extract is not only possible but also results in delicious cookies that hold their shape perfectly. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats. Whether you choose to decorate them or enjoy them plain, these sugar cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Happy baking!

• 1 cup of butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon of salt