In a stand mixer or mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
In a separate bowl or jug, crack the egg and add to the mix together with the vanilla extract.
Add the flour, baking powder (if using) and salt and combine well. Be careful not to overmix.If you leave out the baking powder the cookies will be slightly firmer.
On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough to 0.5cm thick and cut out your desired shapes.
Put the cookies into the fridge and allow to chill for about an hour. Put your feet up and have a cup of tea while you wait.
After about 50 minutes, preheat your oven to 175ºC.
Remove the cookies from the fridge and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool on a wire rack and then decorate as you would like.
Keyword Christmas Cookies, Cookies for Decorating Recipe, Easy Cookie Recipe UK, Easy Sugar Cookies, Simple Cookie Recipe, Sugar Cookies Recipe
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