This easy recipe makes classic sugar cookies that aren't overly sweet and that bake well without losing their shapes in the oven. This is the perfect sugar cookie for cutting out fun shapes and decorating for the holidays, but they also taste great plain.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugar.
Add the egg and vanilla. Beat well until creamy and well mixed. Scrape down the sides of the bowls as needed to make sure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Add the flour and the salt. Mix until a dough forms.
Divide dough in half and form two disks.
Working with 1 disk at a time, roll out to ~¼-inch thickness (or however thin you want).
Cut out shapes, and transfer them to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to place similar sized cookies on same baking sheet for even baking time. Chill for at least 30 minutes to prevent cookies from spreading as they bake.
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
Bake chilled cookies until the edges begin to brown (for crisp cookies). This takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on size and thickness.