Refrigerator Cookies and Variations

  • 1 c butter, softened, plus some to grease the baking sheets
  • 1 c sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 3 c flour, plus more for the work surface
  • pinch salt
  • 1 t baking powder
  • 1 T milk, or as needed
  • 1 t vanilla
  1. Cream butter and sugar.
  2. Add egg.
  3. Combine flour, salt, and baking powder in bowl.
  4. Add dry ingredients to the dough.
  5. Add a little milk to make the dough just soft enough to handle.
  6. Add vanilla.
  7. Shape dough into disk (to be rolled) or log (to be sliced), wrap in plastic, refrigerate 2 hours to 2 days (or freeze).
  8. Preheat oven.
  9. Cut disk in half. Roll 1/8″ thick. Cut with cookie cutters.
  10. Or cut 1/8″ slices from chilled or frozen log.
  11. Bake on lightly greased baking sheets till edges are lightly browned and centers are set = 6-10 minutes.
  12. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to rack to cool.

*Can roll and cut for Christmas cookies. Or form into log and slice.

*Top with vanilla glaze and sprinkles, buttercream or caramel frosting, drizzle with orange glaze.

*Peanut butter cookies: Cream 1/2 to 3/4 c peanut butter along with butter and sugar. You can also add 1/2 c chopped peanuts along with the vanilla.

After How to Cook Everything.