These delicious sugar cookies are made with all butter, egg yolks, and vanilla. Use vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract in this recipe, and decorate with sugar or frosting.

See Also

Holiday Sugar Cookies

Soft Sugar Cookies

Snickerdoodles

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 11 1/4 ounces
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (8 ounces) chilled butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low speed to blend ingredients. Add the butter pieces and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles crumbs. Turn the mixer up to medium-low and beat for about 2 minutes longer, or until the mixture begins to clump. Add the egg yolks and vanilla. Beat on medium-low until the mixture comes together to form a soft dough.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface; gather into a ball and knead a few times. Shape into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

1. Roll a disk out between 2 sheets of wax paper or parchment paper to about 1/8 inch thickness. If the dough is too cold and cracks, let it stand at room temperature for a few more minutes. Take care that the dough does not stick to the paper. Flour lightly and change the paper once or twice, if necessary.   
2. Cut the dough out with cookie cutters and arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the second disk. Preheat the oven to 375° F. Chill the cut out cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, while the oven is preheating.
3. Sprinkle the cookies with plain or colored sugar, if desired. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, until edges just begin to brown. Cool on a rack then decorate as desired.
4. Makes about 3 to 4 dozen cookies, depending on size.

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