This simple and fast cookie recipe has been used by my family for many years. While some cookie recipes require hours of chilling, careful mixing, and extended baking times, this dough does not need to be chilled before use. And, after only six minutes, the cookies are fully baked!

If decorations are desired, the included frosting recipe works great, but they still taste great by themselves.

Cookie Ingredients:

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

Frosting Ingredients:

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp melted butter

3 tbsp milk

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: assorted food coloring

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400ºF.

First, cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl (the mixture should not feel sandy). Then, add the egg and vanilla, and mix until fully incorporated.

In a smaller, separate bowl, sift the flour and baking powder together, then add to the butter mixture. Combine well (ideally with the dough hook of a standing mixer) until a pliable dough forms, with no lumps or pockets of flour. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and form into a ball.

This dough does not require chilling, so you can start cutting the cookies immediately! Evenly roll the dough out to about 1/8 of an inch thick.

Place desired cookie cutters and press to ensure a uniform cut. Once ready, use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a nonstick baking sheet and bake for about six minutes, or until light brown on the sides (smaller cookies may require less time).

For the frosting, combine all ingredients in a bowl until smooth then incorporate food coloring, if desired, with a fork. Wait until the cookies are fully cooled before frosting with a knife.

This piece also appears in our December 2018 print edition.