Sugar Cookies...aka Million Dollar Cookies

From http://inthekitchenwithkath.com

(Adapted from the recipe in the 1999 edition of Cook’s Illustrated The Best Recipe)

Makes about 30 cookies

2 cups (240g) flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup (192g) granulated sugar, plus ¼ cup for rolling cookies

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 375˚.

2. Cream the butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3 – 4 minutes with an electric mixer. (Be sure to cream it really well. It makes a difference.)

3. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat for about 30 seconds.

4. Stir the flour, baking powder and salt together and add to the butter/sugar/egg mixture. Beat until just combined.

5. Put ¼ cup sugar in a small bowl. Form the dough into 1½ inch balls. Roll them in the sugar and place them about 2 inches apart on an ungreased regular cookie sheet (not an insulated one).

6. Butter the bottom of a glass and dip it in the sugar. Use the glass to flatten the balls of dough.

7. Bake for 10 – 11 minutes. Cool on the cookie sheet for a couple of minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.

Mmmmm….YUM!