Simple Vanilla Cookies

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix the butter with a wooden spoon until it is light and fluffy. Add 1 cup of sugar and mix until well combined. Add remaining sugar and mix well.

Step 3

Add the egg, vanilla, and salt; mix to combine. Add flour in three additions, mixing until the flour is just incorporated after each addition. The mixture should be loose and crumbly.

Step 4

Using your hands, press the dough against the bottom and sides of the bowl to bring it together into one cohesive mass.

Step 5

Shape dough into 1 1/2-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place them about 1-inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Using the bottom of a glass or the tines of a fork, flatten the cookies gently. If the dough sticks to the glass or fork as you work, dip it in granulated sugar between cookies.

Step 6

Bake until the cookies’ edges just begin to brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.