Sugar Cookies with Flake Salt

Try this:

Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a subtle spice flavor.

Ingredients

• For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

• For Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)

  • Flake salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes) using a hand or stand mixer.

   • Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

2. Chill the Dough:

   • Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to handle and prevents spreading during baking.

3. Preheat and Prepare:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

   • Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball lightly in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

4. Add Flake Salt and Bake:

   • Gently flatten each cookie with the bottom of a glass or your hand to about ¼ inch thick.

   • Sprinkle a pinch of flake salt onto each cookie, pressing lightly so it adheres.

   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly underdone. (The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.)

5. Cool and Enjoy:

   • Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

   • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Tips for Success:

• Softened Butter: Ensure the butter is soft but not melted for the best cookie texture.

• Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip this step—it helps maintain the shape of the cookies while baking.

• Flake Salt: Add sparingly for a perfect balance between sweet and salty. Too much can overpower the cookie.