These Golden Vanilla Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, featuring a hint of brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat until well combined.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Whisking the dry ingredients helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Mix on low speed to avoid overworking the dough.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and coat each ball in granulated sugar.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it's too soft to handle.
Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten the balls slightly with the bottom of a glass for even baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Cooling on the sheet helps the cookies set and prevents breakage.