Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: Royal icing or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar. 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. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Step 2: Incorporating Wet Ingredients. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter mixture. Beat on medium speed until well combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy. Do not overmix at this stage; just ensure the egg is fully integrated.
- Step 3: Sifting and Mixing Dry Ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix until the flour just disappears and a cohesive dough forms. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky to the touch.
- Step 4: Chilling the Dough. Divide the dough into two flat discs and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is vital for cutout cookies; it prevents the butter from melting too quickly in the air fryer, which helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Step 5: Rolling and Cutting. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Roll out one disc of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Re-roll the scraps and repeat until all the dough is used. If the dough becomes too soft while working, pop it back in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Air Frying the Cookies. Line your air fryer basket with a piece of perforated parchment paper (specifically made 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 320°F (160°C). Air fry for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are just barely beginning to turn a light golden brown. They will look slightly soft in the middle but will firm up as they cool.
- Step 7: Cooling and Decorating. Carefully remove the cookies from the air fryer using a spatula and place them on a wire cooling rack. Let them cool completely before decorating with icing or sprinkles. The cookies need to be cold to the touch so the icing doesn’t melt off.
- Cook Time: 57 minutes