Basic Sugar Cookies - cooking recipe

Ingredients

None None Basic Sugar Cookies
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 None eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup self-rising flour, sifted
None None raw sugar, for freezer cookies
None None raspberry jam, for thumbprint cookies

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F. Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar until pale and creamy. Gradually add eggs and vanilla, beating well after each addition. Fold in flour until well combined. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Bring mixture together and lightly knead until smooth. Press into a disc shape, wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 mins.
For basic shaped cookies, roll out dough until 1/4 inch thick. Use 2 inch cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place on prepared trays, 3/4 inch apart. Chill for 15 mins. Bake for 8-10 mins. Let cool on trays for 5 mins then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For freezer cookies, divide dough into 2 equal pieces. Roll each into a 1 1/4 inch-thick log. Wrap in plastic wrap, twisting ends to seal. Freeze. When ready to bake, slice into 1/4 inch-thick rounds. Press 1 side of each round into raw sugar. Place on trays 3/4 inch apart, sugar-side facing up. Bake for 15-20 mins, until golden. Let cool on trays for 5 mins then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For thumbprint cookies, roll tablespoons of dough into balls. Place on trays 1 1/4 inches apart. Using a small spoon, make an indent in the center of each cookie. Fill with jam. Bake for 12-15 mins, until golden. Let cool on trays for 5 mins then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.