simple vanilla sugar cookie recipe

here's my go-to basic vanilla sugar cookie recipe!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. vanilla bean paste or high quality vanilla extract
1 tsp. salt
4 cups (~480 g) all-purpose flour

METHOD:

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar together until whipped and creamy. Start on low and increase speed slightly to incorporate all of the butter and sugar together. Scrape the sides of the bowl as necessary. With the mixer on low, add your 2 eggs, one at a time. While the mixer is still running on low and incorporating the eggs, add your vanilla bean paste and salt. Scrape the bowl as necessary. Once these ingredients are mixed, start adding your flour 1 cup at a time, while the mixer continues to run on low. Continue to add flour until dough becomes a play-dough like consistency, holding together into a ball and not sticking to the sides.

Let rest sealed in plastic wrap or container for 20 minutes while you clean up and prepare to cut out dough. Preheat your oven to 350 (Possibly 325 for convection ovens, you know your oven best!) Use rolling pin guides to roll dough to your desired thickness (I do 3/8" with guides from Bobbi's Cookies - link). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper and add cut out shapes at least 1/2 inch apart from each other. Bake for around 10 minutes (check at 8-9 minutes. When the edges are starting to show the slightest bit of color, take them out of the oven). Let rest on pans or cooling rack until cool.