Soft Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Method

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together with a hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

   3:00 · Cream butter and sugar
3. 3

   Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.

4. 4

   Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms.

5. 5

   Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

6. 6

   Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. 7

   Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-tablespoon portions, roll into balls, and roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat.

8. 8

   Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart, about 12 per sheet.

9. 9

   Bake one sheet at a time until the edges are just set and the tops still look pale and soft, 9 to 11 minutes.

   9:00 · Bake sugar cookies
10. 10

    Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

    5:00 · Cool on baking sheet