How to Make Sugar Cookies

These buttery sugar cookies from Food Network Kitchens are fun-shaped and festively decorated for the holidays.

For the cookie batter, you will need 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, slightly softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar; 1/4 teaspoon fine salt; and 2 cups all-purpose flour. For decorating, you will need 1 cup confectioners' sugar; 1 tablespoon milk and food coloring.

Whisk the egg and vanilla in a small bowl, then set aside. With a hand-held mixer in a large bowl, cream the butter until fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, add both sugars and continue beating until light, 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl again, if needed, then add the egg mixture, beating for about 1 minute. Sift the salt with the flour. Reduce the mixer to a low speed and then add the flour mixture, mixing just until blended. Turn the dough out of the bowl.

Divide the dough in half and place each half between 2 pieces of lightly floured parchment or waxed paper. Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a disk about 1/4 inch thick. Slide the dough/parchment sheet onto a flat cookie sheet, or on the back of a rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours or overnight. Place 1 disk of the cookie dough on a clean work surface and peel off the top sheet of paper.

Cut cookies with a 1 1/2-inch round or decoratively shaped cookie cutter, directly on the parchment.

Use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a parchment-lined or nonstick baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Repeat with the other sheet of dough. Any excess dough can be rerolled, refrigerated and cut later.

Bake at 325 degrees F until the edges of the cookies are a light golden color, about 15 minutes. Transfer cookies to a rack to cool.