Vanilla Cookies
Makes 24 – 90 cookies depending on the cookie cutter size.
Preparation: 15 minutes to mix
½ hour in the refrigerator
Cutting out and baking approximately ½ hour
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
¾ cups granulated sugar, or cane sugar
3 egg yolks
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
In a bowl, using an electric mixer beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the Vanilla Extract and mix well (Add lemon zest and Lemon Curd here if doing the Lemon Cookies).
Sift together the flour and baking powder, then add salt. Add to the butter mixture a little bit at a time at low speed, and beat well until well mixed.
Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Shape each into a ball. Flatten and wrap in parchment paper, and refrigerate for at least ½ hour. The dough can be prepared up to 3 days ahead, and kept in the refrigerator. If so, place the dough in resealable plastic bags. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before continuing.
Preheat oven to 350 F. You will need 2 – 4 nonstick cookie sheets, or line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured work surface - I use parchment paper without the extra flour - roll out one piece of dough, approximately 1/8th inch in thickness. Cut out desired shapes. Transfer cutouts to the prepared baking sheets. Continue until all the dough is finished.
Bake until the cookies are golden and slightly darker on the bottom about 8 minutes. Turn the tray halfway in the baking process. Remove the cookies and let cool for about 1 minute. Transfer the cookies to the wire rack and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Variation: Lemon Cookies
Substitute 2 tsp Lemon extract for Vanilla Extract
Add the zest of 1 Lemon
Add 2 Tbsp Lemon Curd (optional)
**Note: I like to measure out the dry ingredients and store in plastic containers so that on a whim I can bake cookies, as I find measuring the hardest part. It’s a cure for laziness and this way you are always prepared.