Indulge In {Classic Sugar Cookies}

Over the last couple weeks I have shared some very delicious cookie recipes with you. But with Santa's arrival just a few days away its just about time to make decision on what cookie you will be serving up with a cold glass of milk for the big man in the red coat. While you are contemplating that decision, I have one more sweet recipe to share with you, soft and scrumptious sugar cookies. It's a classic favorite that is simple and sweet. Here's the recipe adapted from Alton Brown!

:: Ingredients ::

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Clear Crystal Sugar
• Powdered sugar, for rolling out dough
• 
  
• :: Directions ::
• 1. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. 
  2. Place butter and sugar in large bowl of electric stand mixer and beat until light in color. Add egg and milk and beat to combine. Put mixer on low speed, gradually add flour, and beat until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl. Divide the dough in half, wrap in waxed paper, and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  4. Sprinkle surface where you will roll out dough with powdered sugar. Remove 1 wrapped pack of dough from refrigerator at a time, sprinkle rolling pin with powdered sugar, and roll out dough to 1/4-inch thick. 
  5. Move the dough around and check underneath frequently to make sure it is not sticking. If dough has warmed during rolling, place cold cookie sheet on top for 10 minutes to chill. Cut into desired shape, sprinkle with crystal sugar, place at least 1-inch apart on greased baking sheet, parchment, or silicone baking mat, and bake for 7 to 9 minutes or until cookies are just beginning to turn brown around the edges, rotating cookie sheet halfway through baking time. 
  6. Let sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes after removal from oven and then move to complete cooling on wire rack. Serve as is or ice as desired. Store in airtight container for up to 1 week.