Every baker needs a classic sugar cookie recipe in their repertoire. A sugar cookie is a slightly soft, buttery biscuit, almost like shortbread but with icing. This classic cookie is great for any occasion and can be decorated in any style.

INGREDIENTS

• 225g butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C.
2. Beat butter and sugars together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla.
3. Sift flour, baking soda, and baking powder together in a small bowl. Gradually blend flour mixture into the wet ingredients.
4. On a lightly floured surface, or between two sheets of baking paper, roll the dough to 4mm thickness. Cut out using cookie cutters and place roughly 1 inch apart onto ungreased baking sheets.
   Top tip: if your mixture is slightly too thin, squeeze the dough into a ball, cover, and refrigerate for half an hour before you roll it out.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden, around 8 minutes.
6. Cool on the baking sheets briefly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Top with icing and serve.