Vanilla Cookies

Here's what you need:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, very cold and cut into cubes
• 1 egg
• 2 Tbsp. milk
• 1 - 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Sift your flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda into a large bowl. Add cold, cubed butter and blend with a pastry knife or pinch between your fingers until the consistency of coarse corn meal with a few pea size pieces. In a small bowl, add your egg, milk, and vanilla. Mix well to combine. Add to the dry ingredients and use a large fork to blend well. Now use your hands to continue mixing and form a ball. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until firm enough to roll out. 

Preheat your oven to 350F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough is chilled, roll it out onto a lightly floured surface (about 1/4-inch thick) and cut into desired shapes. Bake 7-9 minutes, or until just very light golden brown. You don't want to overbake them. Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes and then remove to a wire cooling rack. After they are completely cooled, you can ice/decorate them. Enjoy!

NOTE: The dough can be made ahead and will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.