If you're like me and hate waiting for cookie dough to chill then this quick cut out sugar cookie recipe is for you! These holiday cookies can be made in 30 minutes or less and use a mixture of powdered sugar and white sugar for a texture like no other cut out cookie. There's no chill time and they hold their shape incredibly well! They are the perfect holiday cookie to make, especially when iced with this easy (no meringue powder) royal icing.
Preheat the oven to 350° F and line two sheet trays with parchment paper. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the 1 cup softened butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 cup white sugar. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until a thick fully paste forms.
Stop and scrape down the mixer. Add the egg and 2 tsp vanilla extract. Mix again for 30 seconds.
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour. This could take up to 1 minute. Add in the 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Mix for another 30 seconds to a minute to combine well.
Dump the dough out onto a lightly flour surface and shape into a round ball. It should be smooth and not sticky.
Roll the dough out to 1/4" thick and cut with cookie cutters. Place the cookies on a baking sheet. They can be quite close as they wont spread- about 1/2 inch to 1 inch apart.
Bake for 10-13 minutes. This will depend on how thick the cookies are. They are done when the bottoms turn slightly golden brown.
Repeat with the remaining scraps and decorate with royal icing.
Notes
The amount of cookies you make will depend on the size of your cookie cutters.