How do you make sugar cookies?

Ingredients:

- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup (2 sticks; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

- 1 large egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

- Sprinkles, colored sugar, or nonpareils for decoration (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extract (if using).

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Chill Dough: Gather the cookie dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies from becoming too thin.

7. Shape and Decorate: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Place the cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. If desired, decorate with sprinkles, colored sugar, or nonpareils.

8. Bake: Bake the sugar cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges just start to brown and the centers are set.

9. Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your homemade sugar cookies!

Remember, baking times may vary depending on your oven, so adjust as needed.