Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for that bakery flavor)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed. Continue mixing for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture looks pale, light, and fluffy. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure every bit of butter is incorporated.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until the egg is fully combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy. Do not overmix at this stage, but ensure no streaks of egg remain.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Turn your mixer to low speed and gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the flour disappears and a soft dough forms. The dough should be firm enough to handle but not dry or crumbly.
- Divide the dough into two disks and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading in the air fryer. Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
- Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with a piece of perforated parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers. Place 4 to 5 cookies in the basket, leaving at least an inch of space between them. Set the air fryer to 325°F (160°C) and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. The cookies are done when the tops look matte and set, but the edges are not yet brown.
- Carefully remove the air fryer basket and let the cookies sit inside for 2 minutes to firm up. Move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are cold to the touch, decorate them with your favorite frosting, sprinkles, or royal icing.
- Cook Time: 26 minutes